Formerly: meaning, definitions and examples

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formerly

[ ˈfɔːmərli ]

^{Context #1}

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

earlier, once, previously

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.

^{Context #2}

in the past

Formerly is also used to indicate a previous name or title of a person or thing.

Synonyms

earlier, once, previously

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

Word origin

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.