previous

modif.

1. Earlier

   preceding, prior, antecedent, former, foregoing, earlier, past; see also former, preceding.

2. *Too early

   premature, unfounded, unwarranted; see early 2.

previous generally implies a coming before in time or order a previous encounter; prior adds to this a connotation of greater importance or claim as a result of being first a prior commitment; preceding, esp. when used with the definite article, implies a coming immediately before the preceding night; antecedent often adds to the meaning of previous a connotation of direct causal relationship with what follows events antecedent to the war; foregoing applies specif. to something previously said or written the foregoing examples; former always connotes comparison, stated or implied, with what follows or is latter the former owner