A row of three flower pots: the first shows a small seed in soil, the second a sprout, and the third a blooming flower.

previamente

pre-byah-MEN-teh

adverbB1

previously?referring to a time or event that happened before the current one

Also:beforehand?doing something in advance,prior?referring to something that occurred earlier

📝 In Action

Debes leer las instrucciones previamente.

You must read the instructions beforehand.

Como se mencionó previamente, la reunión fue cancelada.

As previously mentioned, the meeting was canceled.

El sospechoso había sido arrestado previamente.

The suspect had been previously arrested.

Word Connections

Synonyms

antes (before)
anticipadamente (in advance)
de antemano (beforehand)

Antonyms

posteriormente (afterward)
después (later)
luego (after)

Common Collocations

mencionado previamente – previously mentioned
acordado previamente – previously agreed upon
establecido previamente – previously established

💡 Grammar Points

The '-mente' Ending

Just like '-ly' in English, the ending '-mente' turns a description word into an action-description word (an adverb). Here, 'previo' (previous) becomes 'previamente' (previously).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'previamente' vs 'antes'

Mistake: "Using 'previamente de' to say 'before something'."

Correction: Use 'antes de' for specific things (antes de la cena) and 'previamente' as a standalone word (hazlo previamente).

⭐ Usage Tips

Sounding More Professional

Swap 'antes' for 'previamente' in work emails or academic essays to sound more polished and precise.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: previamente

Question 1 of 1

Which of these is the best formal way to say 'as mentioned before'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

previo(previous) - adjective

prever(to foresee) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'previamente' in casual conversation?

Yes, you can, but it might sound a bit 'stiff' or formal. In a casual chat with friends, people usually prefer the word 'antes'.

Does 'previamente' change if the subject is feminine?

No. Adverbs (words that describe how or when an action happens) in Spanish never change their form based on gender or number.