Formerly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈfȯr-mər-lē/ for·mer·ly

Meaning & Definition of Formerly

Formerly (adverb)

  1. at an earlier time, previously
  2. just before

Formerly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. at an earlier or previous time

    "the newspaper formerly known as The Newsprint"

    similar: erstwhile, once, onetime
    near: lately, recently, currently, now, presently

  2. so as to precede something in order of time

    "if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now"

    similar: afore (chiefly dialect), ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, preliminarily, previously, in advance
    related: a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong (archaic), presently, shortly, soon
    opposite: after, afterward, later
    near: behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Formerly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Formerly:

Chiefly dialect: afore
erstwhile, once, onetime, ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, preliminarily, previously, in advance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Formerly

Words with the opposite meaning of Formerly:

after, afterward, later

Related Words for Formerly

a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong, presently, shortly, soon

Near Antonyms of Formerly

lately, recently, currently, now, presently, behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Origin & Etymology of Formerly

First known use: 1534

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Formerly

Frequently Asked Questions about Formerly

What does "Formerly" mean?

"Formerly" means at an earlier time, previously. As an adverb, it is defined as: at an earlier time, previously. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Formerly"?

Other words for "Formerly" include erstwhile, once, onetime, afore, ahead, already, antecedently and anteriorly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Formerly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Formerly"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Formerly". Common alternatives include erstwhile, once, onetime, afore, ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before and beforehand.

What is the opposite of "Formerly"?

Antonyms of "Formerly" include after, afterward and later. Near antonyms include lately, recently, currently and now.

How do you use "Formerly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Formerly" in a sentence: "the newspaper formerly known as The Newsprint"; "if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now".

Is "Formerly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Formerly" is an adverb.

Is "Formerly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Formerly" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Formerly"?

"Formerly" is pronounced /ˈfȯr-mər-lē/ and divided into syllables as for·mer·ly.