former

for-mer · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having previously been; previous.

  2. 2.

    Of an earlier time; past.

  3. 3.

    The first of two things mentioned.

  4. 4.

    The first of two people or things mentioned.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    former self — One's previous state or condition.
  • •
    a shadow of one's former self — Much weaker than before.
  • •
    former glory — Past greatness.
  • •
    the former... the latter — The first... the second (of two things mentioned).

Related words

Antonyms: current, latter, present
See also: ex, latter, past, previous
Synonyms: earlier, ex, past, previous

Etymology

From Old English forma ("first, foremost"), related to fore ("before"). The comparative form former developed in Middle English.