CEFR A2

formerly

adverb

Meaning

In the past, or at an earlier time.

Examples

This building was formerly a school.
She is formerly known as Jane Smith.

Synonyms: before, previously, earlier, erstwhile

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

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:

Antonyms of formerly

Words with the opposite meaning to formerly:

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary