Meaning of Former
that existed in earlier times
In simple words: Something that was true in the past but is not true now.
Former in a sentence
- She is a former champion, having won several awards in her youth.
- The former president addressed the nation in a televised speech.
- He met with several former colleagues during the reunion.
- In his former life, he was a successful artist before becoming an engineer.
- She often reminisces about her former days as a student abroad.
How to use Former
Use 'former' to refer to someone who previously held a position or role, such as 'former president'. It's neutral and suitable for both spoken and written language, especially in professional contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words like 'ex' might feel more natural.
Grammar pattern
former + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'former' as a 'form' you used to have but no longer hold.
Related words
Collocations with Former
- former president
- former employee
- former lover
- former student
- former leader
Synonyms for Former
- past (3)
Common mistakes with Former
- Using 'former' without a noun, e.g., saying 'He is a former' instead of 'He is a former teacher.'
- Confusing 'former' with 'latter'; remember 'former' refers to the first item in a list.
- Using 'ex-' instead of 'former' in formal contexts, where 'former' is preferred.
Former appears in
Former in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
سابق
شيء كان صحيحًا في الماضي ولكنه ليس صحيحًا الآن.
- Bengaliবাংলা
প্রাক্তন
অতীতে যা সত্য ছিল কিন্তু এখন আর নেই।
- GermanDeutsch
Ehemalig
Etwas, das früher wahr war, aber jetzt nicht mehr.
- SpanishEspañol
anterior
Algo que fue cierto en el pasado pero ya no lo es.
- Persianفارسی
قبلی
چیزی که در گذشته درست بوده اما الان دیگر درست نیست.
- FrenchFrançais
Ancien
Quelque chose qui était vrai dans le passé mais qui ne l'est plus maintenant.
- Hindiहिन्दी
पूर्व
कोई चीज़ जो अतीत में सच थी लेकिन अब सच नहीं है।
- ItalianItaliano
Ex
Qualcosa che era vero in passato ma non lo è più.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Ex
Algo que era verdade no passado, mas não é mais.
- RussianРусский
Бывший
То, что было правдой в прошлом, но не является правдой сейчас.
- Urduاردو
سابق
کوئی چیز جو ماضی میں درست تھی لیکن اب درست نہیں ہے۔
- Chinese中文
前任
过去真实但现在不再真实的事物。
More words like Former
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
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Frequently asked questions about Former
What does Former mean?
Something that was true in the past but is not true now.
What is the definition of Former?
that existed in earlier times
How do you use Former in a sentence?
She is a former champion, having won several awards in her youth.
Can you give another example of Former?
The former president addressed the nation in a televised speech.
What are synonyms for Former?
Common alternatives include past (3).
What is the opposite of Former?
Opposite meanings include current, present.
What words go with Former?
It commonly pairs with former president, former employee, former lover, former student, former leader.
What are common mistakes when using Former?
Using 'former' without a noun, e.g., saying 'He is a former' instead of 'He is a former teacher.' Confusing 'former' with 'latter'; remember 'former' refers to the first item in a list. Using 'ex-' instead of 'former' in formal contexts, where 'former' is preferred.
How do you pronounce Former?
US: /["/ˈfɔːrmər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈfɔːmə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Former?
Use 'former' to refer to someone who previously held a position or role, such as 'former president'. It's neutral and suitable for both spoken and written language, especially in professional contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words like 'ex' might feel more natural.
What CEFR level is Former?
"Former" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.











