former
adjective /ˈfɔːmə(r)/
/ˈfɔːrmər/
[only before noun]Idioms - that existed in earlier times synonym past (3)
- This fine ruin was, in former times, a royal castle.
- This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory.
- her former life as a Russian ballerina
- that used to have a particular position or status in the past synonym previous, one-time (1)
- the 41-year-old former world champion
- the former president/prime minister
- former South African president Nelson Mandela
- both current and former employees
- a former staff member
- my former boss/colleague/wife
- the countries of the former Soviet Union
- former Portuguese colonies
- the former…used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned
- The former option would be much more sensible.
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old English forma ‘first’ + -er.
Idioms
be a shadow/ghost of your former self
- to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have
- When his career ended, he became a shadow of his former self.