formerly (A2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrmərli/

Definition

In the past, or at an earlier time.

Examples

• This building was formerly a school.

• She is formerly known as Jane Smith.

• The park was formerly a military base.

How to Use formerly

formerly known as (collocation)

Used to state a previous name or identity. — "The band was formerly known as 'The Playboys'."

formerly a/an (collocation)

Used to state a previous role, function, or identity. — "This restaurant was formerly a bank."

Synonyms of formerly

Words with a similar meaning to formerly:

• before
• previously
• earlier
• erstwhile

Antonyms of formerly

Words with the opposite meaning to formerly:

• currently
• presently

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