formerly
FAW-muh-lee
Formerly (adv) means At an earlier time; previously. Example: “The company, formerly a small family bakery, now has shops across the region.”
adv
1
At an earlier time; previously.
"This ranch was formerly owned by slaveholders."
"The company, formerly a small family bakery, now has shops across the region."
"The building was formerly a cinema."
"She was formerly known by her maiden name."
"Xenia Robertson, formerly known as Xenia Isaamov, is from Ukraine."
How to use formerly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to say what something used to be before it changed.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "formally" (in a formal manner) — they sound alike but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
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Etymology
From former + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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earlier
hitherto
heretofore
afore
aforehand
already
antecedently
at one time
before
beforehand
beforetime
ere
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for formerly
See all rhymes for formerly →Frequently asked questions
What does “formerly” mean?
The word “formerly” means at an earlier time; previously. In plain terms, used to say what something used to be before it changed.
How do you pronounce “formerly”?
“Formerly” is pronounced FAW-muh-lee (/ˈfɔɹmɚli/ in IPA).
How do you use “formerly” in a sentence?
Here is “formerly” used in a sentence: “The building was formerly a cinema.”
What is another word for “formerly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “formerly” include afore, aforehand, already, antecedently, at one time and before.
What is the opposite of “formerly”?
The opposite of “formerly” — its antonyms — are currently and subsequently.
What part of speech is “formerly”?
“Formerly” is an adverb.
Is “formerly” a common word?
“Formerly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "formerly" and "formally"?
"Formerly" means at an earlier time or previously, as in "formerly known as." "Formally" means in a formal or official manner, as in "formally dressed," so the two are easily confused but have entirely different meanings.
What is the difference between "formerly" and "previously"?
The two are largely interchangeable and both mean "at an earlier time." "Formerly" is especially common when marking a change of name or status, as in "the company, formerly called Acme."
What is the difference between "formerly" and "currently"?
They are opposites in time. "Formerly" refers to how things were at an earlier time, while "currently" refers to how things are now, at the present time.
Where do you place "formerly" in a sentence?
"Formerly" often comes before a past role, name, or state, as in "formerly a teacher" or "formerly the capital." It can also sit before the main verb, as in "she formerly worked here."
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