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formerexisting in the past but not now; previous

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: existing in the past but not now; previous

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɔːrmər/

Example Sentences

  • My former roommate used to eat my food without asking - that's why they're my 'former' roommate!
  • The former champion was defeated by a newcomer in the first round.
  • Between studying and sleeping, I definitely prefer the former - said no student ever!

former

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈfɔːrmər/]

existing in the past but not now; previous

The former champion watches the new winner lift the trophy he once held.
💡 Concept

The former champion watches the new winner lift the trophy he once held.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfɔːrmər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈfɔːmə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootform
Suffix--er

Origin

The word derives from Middle English 'forme' (shape, form), which comes from Latin 'forma' (shape, form). The sense of 'previous' or 'earlier' developed from the notion of something that had taken shape or existed before.

Breakdown

forma (form, shape) + -er (comparative suffix, indicating 'more' or 'earlier in time')

🎵Rhyme

warmerperformertransformer
warmer
performer
transformer

🔗Collocations

former president
former colleague
former student
former self
former glory
the former and the latter

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My former roommate used to eat my food without asking - that's why they're my 'former' roommate!

The former champion was defeated by a newcomer in the first round.

😄 Fun example

Between studying and sleeping, I definitely prefer the former - said no student ever!

She met her former boss at the coffee shop yesterday.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

previouspastearlierpriorbygone

Antonyms

currentpresentlatter

Related

formattransformconforminform

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