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formerlyIn the past; at an earlier time before the present situation.

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: In the past; at an earlier time before the present situation.

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɔːrmərli/

Example Sentences

  • The restaurant was formerly a haunted house, which explains the spooky pasta.
  • He formerly worked as a circus performer before becoming an accountant.
  • The building formerly housed a chocolate factory, and it still smells amazing.

formerly

ADVERB

[/ˈfɔːrmərli/]

In the past; at an earlier time before the present situation.

In the past; at an earlier time before the present situation.
💡 Concept

In the past; at an earlier time before the present situation.

They formerly embraced conformity, now they reject enormity!
🎵 Rhyme

They formerly embraced conformity, now they reject enormity!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfɔːrmərli/

🌳Etymology

Rootform
Suffix--erly

Origin

From Middle English 'former' meaning 'earlier' or 'previous' with the adverb suffix '-ly' added. The word 'former' comes from Old English 'forma' meaning 'first' or 'foremost'.

Breakdown

former (earlier, previous) + -ly (adverb suffix meaning 'in a manner')

🎵Rhyme

warmlyformallynormally

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The restaurant was formerly a haunted house, which explains the spooky pasta.

He formerly worked as a circus performer before becoming an accountant.

😄 Fun example

The building formerly housed a chocolate factory, and it still smells amazing.

😄 Fun example

She formerly lived in Paris and still dreams in French.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

previouslyearlieroncebeforehandprior

Antonyms

currentlypresently

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