WordGarden.ioformerly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɔːməli/
US
- /ˈfɔrmərli/
Meanings
Adverb
at an earlier time or in the past
Beyond the definition
"Formerly" tells us about something that used to be true, but isn't anymore. Think of it like a snapshot from the past. It's not happening now, but it definitely did before! If someone says, "He was formerly a teacher," you know he doesn't teach anymore—maybe he retired or changed careers. You might hear it when talking about job titles, locations, or even names. A town formerly known as Willow Creek might have been renamed after a famous local hero. It's a polite way of acknowledging a past state without dwelling too much on the present one.
"Formerly" is an adverb that means at some time in the past; previously. It's used to describe something that held true or existed before, but no longer does. Unlike words like "previously" or "before," "formerly" often carries a slight implication of a formal change or a completed transition.
Think about it like this: if you lived in Paris formerly, it means you don't live there now—perhaps you moved to Rome. It's more than just saying you used to live there; it suggests that your time in Paris is definitively over.
You might encounter "formerly" when reading about someone's career history: "She was formerly the CEO of a major tech company." It is also useful for describing a place: "This building, formerly a library, has been converted into apartments." It can even be used to describe names or titles: "The Duke of Sussex was formerly known as Prince Harry of Wales."
It's important to note that "formerly" isn't always interchangeable with simply saying something was. It emphasizes a completed shift from one state to another. While you might say, "He was a doctor," using "He formerly practiced medicine" suggests he has retired or switched professions entirely.
So, when you encounter the word "formerly," remember it's a gentle nod to the past—a way of acknowledging what once was while focusing on what is now.
Examples
- 1
Building history
The hotel was formerly a railway station.
- 2
Past role
She was formerly the head of the design team.
- 3
Former location
The company was formerly based in Chicago.
- 4
Name change
The app, formerly known as StudyTrack, was renamed last year.
- Patternformerly known as + name
used to have that name
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Colonial history
Several islands formerly under British rule still drive on the left.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- at one time
- heretofore
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- formerly known as
- formerly owned
- formerly employed
Word family
Explore
- former status
- name change
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- formerlyadverb