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前説 (zensetsu) Japanese meaning: previous opinion | Kotomora

前ぜん説せつ

ぜ

ん

せ

つ

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

previous opinion; earlier statement

Refers to an opinion or statement made earlier in a discussion or text. Often used in formal or written contexts to contrast with a current or later view.

前ぜん説せつを覆くつがえすような新しん事じ実じつが明あきらかになった。

Kanji

前in front, before
説opinion, theory, explanation

Related words

持じ論ろん
持論 refers to one's own long-held opinion or pet theory, while 前説 simply means a previously stated opinion without implying personal attachment.
前ぜん回かい
前回 means 'last time' or 'previous occasion' and is a general temporal reference, whereas 前説 specifically refers to a previously expressed opinion.

Etymology

Compound of 前 (zen, 'before, previous') and 説 (setsu, 'opinion, theory'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.

New facts have come to light that overturn the earlier opinion.

彼かれは前ぜん説せつを修しゅう正せいして、より穏おん健けんな立たち場ばを取とった。

He revised his previous statement and took a more moderate stance.