former
English meaning: Former
Definition
Previous.
Example
“A former president; the former East Germany”
Another example: “Of the two options, I prefer the former.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal-leaning adjective meaning earlier or previous, used attributively before a noun ('the former president'); also contrasts with 'latter' to refer to the first of two things mentioned.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'forma' (first), with a comparative suffix added in early Middle English to give 'former', meaning 'earlier'.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
- cyclist
- swimmer
- footballer
- teammate
- yugoslavia
- pitcher
- defender
- senator
- player
- victorian
Common Collocations
- former president
- former employee
- former self
- in former times
- former colleague
- the former
Word Forms
former (adj); formerly (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B