The meaning of FORMER is coming before in time. How to use former in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Former.

FORMER definition: 1. of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past: 2. the first of two people…. Learn more.

Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one. He would want you to remember him as he was in former years. When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former.

1. preceding in time; prior or earlier: on a former occasion. 2. past, long past, or ancient: in former times. 3. being the first mentioned of two (disting. from latter). 4. having once or previously been; erstwhile: a former president. n. 1. a person or thing that forms or serves to form. 2. a pupil in a particular form or class.

Former refers to something that came at an earlier time, or before something else. For example, someone who believes in reincarnation might wonder about their former life — or even lives — before their present existence.

Using the terms former and latter is a somewhat formal way to differentiate between items mentioned in a set or list without actually naming them. Former is used to indicate the first item …

Definition of former adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

FORMER definition: 1. happening, existing, or true in the past but not now: 2. the first of two people or things that…. Learn more.

What does the noun former mean? There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun former, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and …

past, long past, or ancient: in former times. being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter. erstwhile: a former president. Middle English, equivalent. to forme (Old English forma first) + -er - er4.