Formerly: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
formerly
[ ˈfɔːmərli ]
in the past
Formerly is an adverb that means in the past, or in earlier times. It is used to indicate that something was true or the case before, but is not anymore.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| formerly |
Used to describe something that happened or existed at an earlier time, often in a formal or written context.
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| previously |
Used to refer to events or conditions existing at an earlier time, commonly in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| earlier |
Used to refer to a time before the present, often in casual conversation.
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| once |
Used to indicate a single occurrence in the past or a former state, often with a sense of nostalgia or storytelling.
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Examples of usage
- He was formerly a lawyer before he became a politician.
- They formerly lived in New York, but now they reside in Los Angeles.
in the past
Formerly is also used to indicate a previous name or title of a person or thing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| formerly |
Used to indicate that something existed or happened in the past, but no longer exists or happens now. Often used in formal or official contexts.
|
| previously |
Refers to something that happened or existed before now, often used to compare current and past conditions or statuses. Suitable for formal scenarios.
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| earlier |
Indicates something happened before a certain point in time, commonly compared to a later event. Used in both formal and informal settings.
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| once |
Signifies an event or condition that happened at some point in the past, particularly if it happened only one time or was a condition that is no longer true.
|
Examples of usage
- London was formerly known as Londinium during Roman times.
- The company was formerly called XYZ Corporation.
Translations
Translations of the word "formerly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 anteriormente
🇮🇳 पहले
🇩🇪 früher
🇮🇩 sebelumnya
🇺🇦 раніше
🇵🇱 wcześniej
🇯🇵 以前
🇫🇷 autrefois
🇪🇸 anteriormente
🇹🇷 önceden
🇰🇷 이전에
🇸🇦 سابقا
🇨🇿 dříve
🇸🇰 predtým
🇨🇳 以前
🇸🇮 prej
🇮🇸 áður
🇰🇿 бұрын
🇬🇪 ადრე
🇦🇿 əvvəllər
🇲🇽 anteriormente
Etymology
The word 'formerly' originated from the Middle English word 'formere', which was derived from the Old English word 'forma', meaning 'first in order'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over the years, 'formerly' has retained its meaning of indicating something that was the case in the past.
See also: amorphic, conform, deform, deformed, form, formal, formality, formally, formation, formative, formatter, formed, former, formic, forming, formless, forms, malform, malformation, multiformity, preformative, reform, unformed.