tidigare

Tidigare is a Swedish word meaning "earlier" or "previous" and is used as both an adjective and an adverb. As the comparative form of the adjective tidig (early), it denotes something that occurred before a reference point in time. In practice, it can modify a noun, as in den tidigare versionen av programvaran (the earlier version of the software), or function as a sentence adverb meaning “previously,” as in Tidigare har han arbetat som lärare (Previously, he has worked as a teacher). It is commonly used in historical, administrative, or journalistic contexts to indicate prior events, states, or periods.

Etymology and cognates: Tidigare is derived from tid, meaning time, with a standard comparative suffix used to form the equivalent of “earlier.” The word has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, notably Norwegian Bokmål and Danish, where tidligere also means “earlier.”

Usage notes: In modern Swedish, tidigare is a neutral term suitable for formal and semi-formal styles. In casual speech, more casual words like förr or förut may be used to express similar meanings, though they can carry slightly different nuances. When comparing times, you typically use tidigare än to say “earlier than,” as in tidigare än nu. When modifying a noun with a definite form, the definite version of the noun is used (e.g., den tidigare versionen).

See also: förr, förut, tidigare tider, tid.