Former
'fɔːrmər
Definitions
2 meaningsExisting or occurring in an earlier time; previous.
'fɔːrmər
Referring to a person or thing that existed or happened in the past.
She is a former employee of the company.
💡 Simply: Imagine you had a pet dog, but now you have a cat. Your dog is your 'former' pet. It's a fancy way of saying 'old' or 'previous' when talking about people or things.
👶 For kids: Something that happened a long time ago!
More Examples
The former champions were defeated in the playoffs.
He missed his former colleagues.
How It's Used
"The former president addressed the nation."
"The former owner is still liable for the property taxes."
Referring to the first of two things or people mentioned.
'fɔːrmər
Used to refer to the first of two people or things mentioned.
She prefers tea to coffee, and the former is her usual morning drink.
💡 Simply: When you're talking about two things, the 'former' is the first one you talked about. For example, 'I like apples and bananas; the former are my favorite.' (Apples are the former.)
👶 For kids: When you are talking about two things, the first one!
More Examples
The cat and the dog were both in the garden; the former was chasing a butterfly.
He enjoys reading novels and poetry; the former being his preferred choice.
How It's Used
"Both the cat and the dog were fed; the former was more enthusiastic."
"Of the two options presented, the former is preferable."
Idioms & expressions
former self
The person one used to be.
"He barely recognized his former self after so many years."
From Middle English *formere*, from Old English *fȳrmra* ('first, former'). Related to the word 'form'.
The word 'former' has been used since the 13th century, evolving from the Old English 'fȳrmra' and retaining its core meaning of 'previous' or 'earlier'.
Memory tip
Think of someone or something that USED to be. Former is about what came BEFORE.
Word Origin
"first, before"