formerly — In 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.

They formerly embraced conformity, now they reject enormity!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
📝Examples
“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.”
“She formerly lived in Paris and still dreams in French.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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