Former (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several); "the novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- I've lived in both the city and the suburbs; I find the former to be more stimulating and exciting.
- He's been married twice; his former wife passed away a decade ago.
- She studied both economics and psychology; the former has been more useful in her career.
- The new highway bypasses both the town and the nearby village; the former has become rather quiet since.
- The company went through a difficult period under the previous management and also under the former CEO.
Antonyms
Meaning 2
(used especially of persons) of the immediate past; "the former president"; "our late President is still very active"; "the previous occupant of the White House".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
Belonging to the distant past; "the early inhabitants of Europe"; "former generations"; "in other times".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 4
Belonging to some prior time; "erstwhile friend"; "our former glory"; "the once capital of the state"; "her quondam lover".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The company's former CEO is now a prominent philanthropist.
- The once-thriving factory now stands as a relic of our former industrial glory.
- She still keeps in touch with her former classmates from college.
- The former president of the country was invited to speak at the conference.
- The old mansion was a testament to the family's former wealth and status.