Edelliset

Edelliset is a Finnish adjective meaning “previous” or “earlier,” used to refer to items or periods that came before in time or sequence. It is the plural form of edellinen and is placed before a plural noun, agreeing with it in number and case. The base form edellinen denotes something that preceded or is prior to another reference point.

Morphology and usage notes: The form edelliset appears in the nominative and accusative plural. Other plural forms include edellisten (genitive) and edellisiä (partitive). In sentences, edelliset typically modifies a plural noun, for example edelliset vuodet (the previous years), edelliset tapahtumat (the preceding events), or edelliset tutkimukset (the previous studies). It can also be used in discourse to refer to already mentioned items, similar to “the aforementioned” in English.

Nuances and context: Edelliset is commonly found in written Finnish, including journalism and academic writing, where a formal distinction between what has happened previously and what follows is useful. It is often contrasted with nykyiset (the current) or seuraavat/looming future forms for upcoming items. While aiemmat is a close synonym meaning “earlier” or “previous,” aiemmat can have a broader or more casual feel depending on context.

See also and related terms: Edellinen (singular form), aiemmat, nykyiset, seuraavat. These terms reflect the same broader idea of time order and prior reference, and their use depends on number, case, and the surrounding noun in Finnish grammar.