What does ‘as previously discussed’ actually mean?

"As previously discussed" serves two very different functions in professional communication, and the difference matters. The first is documentary: the sender is creating a written record of something that was agreed verbally. This is common and legitimate. After a phone call or meeting, someone might write "as previously discussed, we'll move the deadline to March 15th" to ensure everyone has the same understanding in writing. This is good practice, not a power move.

The second function is corrective: the sender is pointing out that this ground has already been covered. "As previously discussed, the budget for this project is $50,000" — when sent in response to someone proposing a $70,000 approach — is a firm reminder that the number was already settled. The phrase establishes that the sender considers this a closed topic and is not interested in reopening it.

The corrective version shares DNA with "per my last email," but it's actually stronger. "Per my last email" refers to a written message that the recipient could have overlooked. "As previously discussed" implies a live conversation — a meeting, a call — where both parties were present and presumably paying attention. The subtext is: you were there, you agreed to this, and now you're acting as if it didn't happen.

From a manager, "as previously discussed" is often used to enforce a prior decision without relitigating it. If your manager writes this, they are not inviting further debate. From a client, it typically appears when scope or terms are being referenced — "as previously discussed, the second round of revisions is included in the original quote." This is usually protective rather than hostile: they're making sure both sides are on the same page.

From a colleague, the phrase can occasionally be weaponised in group emails to make someone look like they weren't paying attention. But this is rarer than people fear.

The best response when you genuinely don't remember the prior discussion is honesty: "Thanks for flagging — I want to make sure I have this right. Can you confirm the key points we agreed on?" This acknowledges the reference without pretending you remember something you don't.