formerly
Americanadverb
-
in time past; in an earlier period or age; previously.
a custom formerly observed.
-
Obsolete. in time just past; just now.
adverb
-
at or in a former time; in the past
-
obsolete in the immediate past; just now
Etymology
Origin of formerly
Compare meaning
How does formerly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The allegations are “an important reminder that for generations, women have made critical contributions, often with personal sacrifice and little recognition,” said Yoshimoto-Towery, who formerly headed instructional efforts at L.A.
From Los Angeles Times
The condition was recently highlighted by singer Jesy Nelson, formerly of Little Mix, whose twin baby daughters have been diagnosed with SMA.
From BBC
A warming climate has already expanded their season and allowed them to move into formerly inhospitable regions.
From Los Angeles Times
A coalition of eight states filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to stop the combination of Nexstar Media and Tegna after the formerly rival broadcasters closed on their $6.2 billion merger.
But some formerly open-air areas will now be covered.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
