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:
Explanation
Use the adverb formerly to describe something that happened earlier. A history teacher might explain that the city of Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople. Something that existed previously, or that has changed in some way over time, can be talked about using the word formerly. Your graceful math teacher might have formerly been a professional dancer, and the building where you take fencing lessons could have formerly been a textile mill. If something happened once upon a time, it happened formerly. The origin of the word traces all the way back to the Proto-Germanic formo, or "first."
Vocabulary lists containing formerly
Commonly Confused Words, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Confused Words, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Commonly Confused Words, List 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
According to voter polls — formerly known as exit polls — the top issue for voters was the cost of living, as expected.
From Salon ● Nov. 4, 2026
Madrid, a longtime political commentator and strategist, had set up his recording equipment at the Pico House, formerly a historic hotel named after the last Mexican governor of California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
Mark Lamb, formerly the sheriff of Pinal County, was once a celebrity sheriff as a regular on Live PD, the hugely popular show in which law enforcement officers broadcast live feeds of their work.
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026
In this context, Lubinets said he had faced questions and criticism online of his attitude towards Lantratova, formerly a hardline pro-Kremlin lawmaker, who is on the United Kingdom's sanctions list.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026
It was Mrs. Carvell, formerly Miss Hauser, at the register.
From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
