formerly
English meaning: Formerly
Definition
At some time in the past
Example
“The country, formerly known as Ceylon, is now called Sri Lanka.”
Another example: “The building, formerly a cinema, has been converted into flats.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common adverb meaning in the past, previously, before a change ('formerly known as'). Formal to neutral register; very frequent in biographies and place/company histories. Don't confuse with 'formally' (= in a formal way).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'former' plus '-ly', from Old English 'forma' (first), a superlative of 'fore'; 15th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- formerly known as
- formerly called
- formerly a
- formerly named
- formerly occupied
- formerly part of
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
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B