Formerly
ˈfɔːrmərli
Definitions
In or during an earlier time.
ˈfɔːrmərli
At a previous time; in the past.
She was formerly a dancer but now runs her own business.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone used to have a different job or live in a different place. 'Formerly' is like saying 'back then' or 'in the old days'. For example, "I formerly lived in New York, but now I live in California." It's talking about what used to be.
👶 For kids: It means something was true a long time ago, but it's not true anymore.
More Examples
The building, formerly a library, is now a museum.
He was formerly the CEO of the company.
How It's Used
"He was formerly a teacher but now works in finance."
"The defendant, formerly incarcerated, has been released on parole."
Idioms & expressions
former self
The person one used to be.
"He barely recognized his former self after so many years."
From Old English *fōr, meaning 'before', combined with the suffix -ly, indicating 'in a former manner'. Related to 'form' and 'first'.
The word 'formerly' has been used in English since the late 14th century. It evolved from a construction using the word 'form' to indicate a past state.