Former

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈfɔɹmÉš/
• RP IPA: /ˈfɔːmÉ™/
• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)mÉ™(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• fmr

From Middle English former, comparative of forme ("first"), from Old English forma ("first").

Full definition of former

Adjective

1. previousA former president.The former East Germany.
2. (first of aforementioned two items) first of aforementioned two items. Used with the, often without a noun.The former is a good idea but the latter is not.

Synonyms

• (previous) anterior, erstwhile, previous, prior, quondam, ex-

Antonyms

• latter

Noun

1. Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.Dave was the former of the company.
2. An object used to form something, such as a template, gauge, or cutting die.''The brick arch was built using a wooden former.
3. (chiefly British, used in combinations) Someone in, or of, a certain form (class).''Fifth-formerSixth-former.

Derived terms

• pan former

Anagrams

• reform