Meaning & Definition of Former in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Having previously been in a particular role or status.

  Example Sentence: She is a former employee of the company.

• Definition: Of the first of two people or things mentioned.

  Example Sentence: The former option is more affordable than the latter.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'former', from Latin 'formare' meaning 'to form'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• former president: the person who previously held the position of president
• former glory: a state of greatness that has been lost
• former lovers: two people who were in a romantic relationship but are no longer together

Translations

• Spanish: anterior

• French: ancien

• German: ehemalig

• Russian: бывший

Related Words

• latter: the second of two persons or things mentioned

• ex: a person with whom one has had a romantic relationship in the past