Former: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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' 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.

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 It is often used in a general or broader sense and can describe any period or event that is no longer current.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' 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.