'previous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praevius,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'via' meant 'way.'

'praevius' transformed into the French word 'prévieux,' and eventually became the modern English word 'previous' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'going before,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'existing or occurring before in time or order.'