Previous vs. Former — What's the Difference?

The term "previous" often denotes the item or event that directly precedes another in time or order, typically relating to something just before the current point of reference. On the other hand, "former" refers to something that was once the case or a role someone held, but is no longer, emphasizing a disconnection from the present.

In usage, "previous" is frequently used to describe a direct predecessor in a sequence, such as a previous episode in a TV series. Whereas "former" is used to talk about positions or statuses that are no longer held, such as in titles like "former president" which indicate a clear change from past to present.

"Previous" implies a closeness in time or position that is just before the current one, suitable for immediate contexts. On the other hand, "former" can denote a much broader historical or temporal distance, suggesting a more significant lapse in time.

For instance, when referring to job positions, someone might say, "my previous job" to indicate the job held right before the current one. Conversely, "my former job" could be used when the job was not immediately before the current one and possibly several positions ago.

While discussing continuity and change, "previous" suggests continuity in sequences or events, emphasizing an ongoing connection. "Former," however, marks a distinct change or discontinuation from a past condition or role to the present situation.