This is the 59th most frequent Russian word.
ранее
"Earlier" or "previously."
Indicates a prior time in personal experience.
Ранее я жил в Москве.
Earlier, I lived in Moscow.
Refers to a previously addressed or mentioned issue.
Этот вопрос был рассмотрен ранее.
This question was discussed earlier.
Describes a prior state or situation involving the subject.