the former — the first of two people or things mentioned
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the first of two people or things mentioned
Pronunciation (IPA): /ðə ˈfɔːrmər/
Example Sentences
- I offered him coffee or tea, and he chose the former.
- Between studying all night or sleeping early, the former seems impossible during finals.
- She's torn between chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, but the former always wins.
the former
NOUN[/ðə ˈfɔːrmər/]
the first of two people or things mentioned

💡 Concept
Between two job offers, she chose the former because it paid more.

🎵 Rhyme
The former is a graceful performer, the latter a mighty transformer!
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🎤Pronunciation
🇺🇸 US/ðə ˈfɔːrmər/
🇬🇧 UK/ðə ˈfɔːmə/
🌳Etymology
Rootform
Suffix--er
🎵Rhyme
warmerperformertransformer
warmer
performer
transformer
🔗Collocations
choose the former
prefer the former
the former option
the former case
the former president
between the former and latter
📝Examples
“I offered him coffee or tea, and he chose the former.”
😄 Fun example
“Between studying all night or sleeping early, the former seems impossible during finals.”
“She's torn between chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, but the former always wins.”
😄 Fun example
“The teacher asked if we wanted a pop quiz or homework, and everyone screamed 'the former!'”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
the firstthe previousthe earlier
Antonyms
the latterthe secondthe later
Related
formerpreviouspriorearlierfirst-mentioned
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