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the previous day
/ðə ˈpɹiːviəs deɪ/
the day before today
She called me on the previous day to confirm the meeting.
She called me yesterday to confirm the meeting.
formal
the day immediately before the current day
The report was submitted on the previous day.
The report was submitted yesterday.
He arrived the previous day and left the next morning.
He arrived yesterday and left the next morning.
Commonly used in formal writing, reports, and narratives to refer to the day before the present day without using 'yesterday'.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Writing
Use 'the previous day' in formal writing or when narrating events in sequence. Use 'yesterday' in casual conversation or informal writing.
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use 'the previous day' when the context already makes it clear you are referring to the day before. For example, avoid saying 'She called me yesterday on the previous day.'
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'previous' (from Latin 'praevius', meaning 'going before') and 'day' (Old English 'dæg'). The use of 'previous' in this context dates back to the 17th century.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in formal contexts such as reports, academic writing, or historical narratives to avoid colloquial terms like 'yesterday'. It is also common in indirect speech or reported statements.
Word Breakdown
the previous
the one before the current
determiner + adjectiveday
a 24-hour period
nounEnglish Dictionary