Cool MateMeaning of Formerly
In simple words: in the past; before now
Formerly in a sentence
How to use Formerly
Use 'formerly' to describe something that was true in the past but is no longer the case. It is more formal than saying 'used to'. Avoid in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
standalone adverb
Memory hint
Sounds like 'form-er-ly' — think of how something used to be before it changed.
Related words
Collocations with Formerly
- formerly a leader
- formerly known
- formerly used
Synonyms for Formerly
- previously
- formerly known as
- once
Common mistakes with Formerly
- Confused with 'formally' — 'formerly' relates to the past, while 'formally' relates to official contexts.
- Omitting it when describing past roles or states, which can lead to ambiguity.
Formerly appears in
Formerly in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
سابقاً
في الماضي؛ قبل الآن
- Bengaliবাংলা
পূর্বে
অতীতে; এখনকার আগে
- GermanDeutsch
Früher
früher; vor jetzt
- SpanishEspañol
Anteriormente
en el pasado; antes de ahora
- Persianفارسی
قبلاً
در گذشته؛ قبل از حال
- FrenchFrançais
Autrefois
dans le passé ; avant maintenant
- Hindiहिन्दी
पहले
पहले; अब से पहले
- ItalianItaliano
Precedentemente
nel passato; prima d'ora
- PortuguesePortuguês
Antigamente
no passado; antes de agora
- RussianРусский
Раньше
раньше, до этого
- Urduاردو
پہلے
پہلے؛ اب سے پہلے
- Chinese中文
Formerly
以前；在现在之前
More words like Formerly
- Previously
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
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Frequently asked questions about Formerly
What does Formerly mean?
in the past; before now
What is the definition of Formerly?
in the past
How do you use Formerly in a sentence?
Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa
Can you give another example of Formerly?
I learnt that the house had formerly been an inn.
What are synonyms for Formerly?
Common alternatives include previously, formerly known as, once.
What is the opposite of Formerly?
Opposite meanings include currently, now.
What words go with Formerly?
It commonly pairs with formerly a leader, formerly known, formerly used.
What are common mistakes when using Formerly?
Confused with 'formally' — 'formerly' relates to the past, while 'formally' relates to official contexts. Omitting it when describing past roles or states, which can lead to ambiguity.
How do you pronounce Formerly?
US: /["/ˈfɔːrmərli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈfɔːməli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is Formerly formal or informal?
"Formerly" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.
When should I use Formerly?
Use 'formerly' to describe something that was true in the past but is no longer the case. It is more formal than saying 'used to'. Avoid in casual conversations.
What CEFR level is Formerly?
"Formerly" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.