Former: meaning, definitions and examples

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former

[ˈfɔːrmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

Belonging to or occurring in an earlier time. No longer in existence; former times.

Synonyms

old, past, previous, prior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
former	When referring to someone or something that held a position or state in the past but no longer does. Often used formally. The former president will attend the ceremony. She is a former employee of the company.
previous	Typically used to refer to something that came before the current one in a sequence or timeline. She had a previous engagement and couldn't attend the meeting. This book is better than his previous work.
prior	Used to refer to something that happened earlier in time or sequence, often in a more formal setting. You need to have prior experience for this job. I had no prior knowledge of the event.
old	Generally used to describe something or someone of a considerable age or that existed a long time ago. Can sometimes have a nostalgic or affectionate connotation. I met an old friend from school yesterday. This is an old building, dating back to the 1800s.
past	Often used to refer to a period of time that has already happened or to events that occurred previously. In the past, people used to write letters by hand. We should learn from our past mistakes.

Examples of usage

In former times, people used to communicate through letters.
She is a former colleague of mine.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

one who held a particular position

A person who previously held a particular position or status; ex.

Synonyms

ex, past, previous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
former	Use 'former' to describe something or someone that held a position or status in the past but no longer does. It carries a formal tone and is often used in professional or official contexts. The former president gave a speech last night. She is a former employee of the company.
ex	'Ex' is commonly used to refer to a previous relationship, particularly romantic ones. It is informal and often used in everyday conversation. It can sometimes have a negative connotation depending on the context. I saw my ex at the party. He is her ex-boyfriend.
past	The word 'past' is used to refer to something that happened or existed in a previous time. It is often used in a general or broader sense and can describe any period or event that is no longer current. In the past, people relied on letters for communication. She has learned a lot from her past experiences.
previous	'Previous' is typically used to describe an event, period, or state that directly preceded the current one. It often has a neutral tone and is used in both formal and informal settings. She talked about her previous job during the interview. The previous chapter of the book was very interesting.

Examples of usage

The former president of the company is now retired.
He is a former student of this university.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'former' comes from the Old French word 'formeur', meaning 'one that forms'.
It traces back to the Latin word 'formare', which means 'to shape or form'.
The term has been in use since the late 14th century, originally to denote the first of two things.

Grammar

'Former' is often used in contrast with 'latter', which refers to the second of two mentioned items.
In English grammar, it functions as an adjective, describing something or someone that is no longer in a certain state.
It's a comparative term, suggesting a previous position or condition in a sequence.

Cultural Usage

In politics, 'former' often precedes titles, indicating past presidents or officials (e.g., 'former president').
Celebrities are frequently referred to as 'former' when they transition from one career to another.
In sports, a 'former athlete' may indicate a retired player who has shifted focus to coaching or commentary.

Psychology

Referring to someone as 'former' can invoke nostalgia and reflection on their past accomplishments.
People may experience mixed feelings regarding 'former' relationships, as they navigate memories tied to those individuals.
The concept of former identities can influence one's self-perception and how they integrate past experiences.

Literature

In literature, 'former' can be used to create character backstories, helping readers understand their journeys.
The concept of former realities appears in many fiction genres, exploring alternative histories or lives not lived.
Notable literary works often feature characters reflecting on their 'former' selves, showcasing growth or regret.

Translations

Translations of the word "former" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anterior

🇮🇳 पूर्व

🇩🇪 ehemalig

🇮🇩 mantan

🇺🇦 колишній

🇵🇱 były

🇯🇵 元

🇫🇷 ancien

🇪🇸 anterior

🇹🇷 eski

🇰🇷 이전의

🇸🇦 سابق

🇨🇿 bývalý

🇸🇰 bývalý

🇨🇳 前任的

🇸🇮 nekdanji

🇮🇸 fyrrverandi

🇰🇿 бұрынғы

🇬🇪 ყოფილი

🇦🇿 keçmiş

🇲🇽 anterior

Word Frequency Rank

At #604 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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601 laws
602 son
603 district
604 former
605 sometimes
606 expected
607 significant
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