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
Between two job offers, she chose the former because it paid more.
The former is a graceful performer, the latter a mighty transformer!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English 'forma', meaning 'shape' or 'form', the word evolved to denote something preceding in time or sequence. It developed to indicate that which comes first or before in temporal or ordinal arrangement.
Breakdown
form (shape, structure) + -er (comparative suffix), originally expressing the notion of 'more form-like' or 'first in form', later conventionalized to mean 'earlier' or 'previous'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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 teacher asked if we wanted a pop quiz or homework, and everyone screamed 'the former!'”
📚Related Words
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