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former1 definition

for·mer (fôr′mər)

adjective

  1. preceding in time; earlier; past in former times
  2. first mentioned of two: often used absolutely (with the) Jack and Bill are twins, but the former is taller than the latter

Etymology: ME formere, compar. of forme, first < OE forma: see foremost

former2 definition

former (fôrm′ər)

noun

a person or thing that forms

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

former Synonyms

former

modif.

earlier, previous, prior, foregoing, preceding, above-mentioned, above, onetime, once, ex, late, recent, retired, erstwhile, then, quondam, past, bygone, ancient, long ago, olden; see also preceding. See syn. study at previous.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

former Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • see: I can still see undignified fifth formers being forced to put on caps before being allowed to leave.

Adjective modifier

  • sixth: Only sixth formers were allowed to use the center staircase.

Modifies a noun

  • glory: Today Henley's Market cross is a mere shadow of its former glory.

Modifying Another Word

  • now: Now former Leyton Orient star Scott wants to save others from becoming victims of heart condition that preys on sports stars.

Noun used with modifier

  • opinion: Instead of changing the existing law these opinion formers simply let deregulation occur through the back door.

Used with adjective complement

  • sign: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 Gills sign striker Sidibe BBC Online Gillingham have signed former Swansea striker Mamady Sidibe on a three-year contract.
former usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

former quotes

Say notthou,What isthe causethattheformerdayswere better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

-Bible (Old Testament)

And God shall wipe awayall tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, norcrying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said,Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

-Bible (NewTestament)

Non enim quo quisque ditior sive potentior, ideo et melior: fortunae illud est, hoc virtutis. To be wealthieror more powerful isnot necessarily tobe worthier: the former are products of fortune, the latter stems from virtue.

-He¤  lo|«  se

former quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"former." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/former>

APA Style

former. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/former

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