prev

prev — abbreviation

1. a short written form of the words "previous" or "previously", used in notes, tex

1.abbreviationB2
Definition

a short written form of the words "previous" or "previously", used in notes, text messages, schedules, and comments to refer to something that came before the present point in time or order.

Example

Please see my prev email for the agenda and meeting details.

prev + noun for 'previous'

The prev version of Ryan's app crashed every time he opened it.

prev + noun replacing 'previous'

Common collocations
  • prev email
  • prev message
  • prev version
  • prev chapter
  • prev page
  • prev year
  • prev meeting
  • prev week
Synonyms
  • previous

    the full form; appropriate for all registers

  • prior

    slightly more formal; used in the same adjective position

  • earlier

    focuses more on time than order

  • former

    suggests the first of two items in a pair

Antonyms
  • next

    the following item in order

  • following

    the item that comes immediately after

Grammar Patterns

prev + noun

see/list/check + prev

Usage Note

Functions as both an adjective ("the prev meeting") and an adverb ("see prev"). Only appropriate in informal written contexts such as emails between colleagues, chat messages, notes, or comments. Avoid in formal academic or professional writing.

Common Mistakes

Please refer to the prev document for guidelines.' (in a formal business report).
Please refer to the previous document for guidelines.
'prev' is too informal for formal documents.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: abbreviation/1

All four words refer to something that came before the present point, but they differ in register and use. "Previous" is the neutral, all-purpose choice — it works in every register from informal chat to academic paper. "Prior" is more formal and often implies a specific precedence in order or importance ("prior approval", "prior commitment"). "Earlier" focuses specifically on time rather than sequence; you can say "an earlier version" but not always "a prior version" when the order is unclear. "Former" is used only when contrasting exactly two items ("the former option vs. the latter") and is more formal. Example: "I preferred the previous design." vs. "I need prior authorization." vs. "An earlier email explained this." vs. "Of the two plans, the former was cheaper."

previous ↗prior ↗earlier ↗former ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • prev email
  • prev message
  • prev version
  • prev chapter
  • prev page
  • prev meeting
  • prev year
  • prev week

Etymology

LatinEnglish

A shortened (clipped) form of the Latin-derived English word "previous" (from Latin "praevius", meaning "going before"), created by dropping the suffix and keeping the first four letters. Such clippings are common in informal digital communication where brevity is valued.