precedentemente
/pre.t͡ʃe.den.teˈmen.te/
Previously in Italian is precedentemente. Wiktionary also lists anteriormente and in antecedenza.
Meaning: at an earlier time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| precedentemente | /pre.t͡ʃe.den.teˈmen.te/ |
| anteriormente | |
| in antecedenza | |
| antecedentemente | |
| in precedenza |
All provided forms are used to describe actions or events that occurred at an earlier time.
Which one should you use?
While in precedenza is used in formal situations to express actions or events that occurred prior to a specific moment, precedentemente is more formal and often used in written contexts compared to the more common in precedenza. The form anteriormente is an adverb that is often used in more technical, scientific or highly formal contexts to denote a time prior to a specific event.
How does it change in a sentence?
Anteriormente is an adverb used to denote a time prior to a specific event.
How do you pronounce it?
precedentemente is pronounced /pre.tʃe.den.teˈmen.te/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 5th syllable.
Did you know?
- The suffix -mente used in precedentemente is the Italian equivalent of the English suffix -ly. It is derived from the Latin word for 'mind', meaning the action is performed 'with a certain mind'.
- While anteriormente means 'previously' in a temporal sense, its root ante also refers to physical position. In anatomy, an 'anterior' part is the one located at the front of the body.
- In Italian, the word 'precedente' can function as both an adjective meaning 'previous' and a noun referring to a 'precedent' in a legal sense.
Examples in context
- In precedenza ho lavorato come traduttore.I previously worked as a translator.This sentence shows how to use in precedenza to describe past work experience.Tatoeba #10775749 by carlosalberto, translation #10775732 by carlosalberto
- Precedentemente, abbiamo discusso il problema della siccità in Italia.Previously, we discussed the problem of drought in Italy.
- In precedenza, abbiamo analizzato le cause dell'inquinamento atmosferico.Previously, we analyzed the causes of air pollution.
- Sono andato al bar, poi ho mangiato la pizza. Prima, però, ho fatto una passeggiata.I went to the bar, then I ate the pizza. Before, however, I took a walk.
- Una volta, facevo jogging ogni mattina.Once, I used to go jogging every morning.
- Il libro era precedentemente stato scritto in francese.The book had previously been written in French.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing a project at work.
- MatteoHai letto l'email che ho inviato?Did you read the email I sent?
- ChiaraSì, ma avevi precedentemente detto altro.Yes, but you had previously said something else.
- MatteoForse ho cambiato idea nel frattempo.Maybe I changed my mind in the meantime.
- ChiaraDobbiamo chiarire bene i punti ora.We need to clarify the points well now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “previously” translations and entries precedentemente, anteriormente, in antecedenza, antecedentemente, in precedenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
