| 释义 |
adjective | noun formerformer1 /ˈfɔrmɚ/ ●●○ adjective [only before noun] ETYMOLOGYformer1Origin: 1100-1200 forme first (12-16 centuries), from Old English forma ► a shadow of its former self So many people had moved away that the town was just a shadow of its former self (=much less lively, exciting, etc. than it used to be). ► In former times In former times, Latin was spoken by all educated men. THESAURUSmost recent, or the nearest one to the present time► lastmost recent, or the nearest one to the present time: What was his last job? Who did you go out with last night? ► previous before this one, or before the one that you are talking about: He has two children from a previous marriage. ► former formal happening before or having a particular position in the past, but not now: New Zealand is a former British colony. The former president has written a book about his time in office. ► past the past week, year, few days, etc. is the period of time up until now: The past few months have been very difficult for our family. ► preceding formal coming before the time you have just mentioned, or the part of something that you are reading now: The preceding chapters have described several key events in recent French history. ► old informal used, known, or existing before now, but not anymore: His old girlfriend just moved back to town. 1having a particular position in the past SYN ex-: her former husband an adviser to former President Clinton► see thesaurus at last12happening or existing before, but not now: Canada is a former British colony. Their farm has been reduced to half its former size.3somebody’s/something’s former self what someone or something was like before being changed by age, illness, trouble, etc.: She seems more like her former self. So many people had moved away that the town was just a shadow of its former self (=much less lively, exciting, etc. than it used to be).4former times/years the past: In former times, Latin was spoken by all educated men. adjective | noun formerformer2 noun THESAURUSmost recent, or the nearest one to the present time► lastmost recent, or the nearest one to the present time: What was his last job? Who did you go out with last night? ► previous before this one, or before the one that you are talking about: He has two children from a previous marriage. ► former formal happening before or having a particular position in the past, but not now: New Zealand is a former British colony. The former president has written a book about his time in office. ► past the past week, year, few days, etc. is the period of time up until now: The past few months have been very difficult for our family. ► preceding formal coming before the time you have just mentioned, or the part of something that you are reading now: The preceding chapters have described several key events in recent French history. ► old informal used, known, or existing before now, but not anymore: His old girlfriend just moved back to town. the former formal the first of two people or things that are mentioned OPP latter: Of the two possibilities, the former seems more likely.► see thesaurus at last1 |