former
former Lexical Profile
former Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having previously filled a particular role, status, or position; of an earlier time.
"The former president attended the charity gala as a guest of honor."
Denoting the first or first mentioned of two people or things.
"Between the two proposed schedules, I strongly prefer the former option."
• noun
The first of two people, things, or groups just mentioned (usually preceded by 'the').
"Of the two proposals presented to the board, the former is much more cost-effective."
A person, tool, or mechanical device that forms, shapes, or molds something, such as a core around which an electrical coil is wound.
"The technician wound the copper wire tightly around a cylindrical plastic former."
British A school pupil in a specified form or grade (used in combination, such as 'sixth-former').
"The first-formers gathered in the main hall for their orientation assembly."
Word Nuance & Usage
When contrasting two items as 'the former' and 'the latter', 'the former' strictly refers to the first of two things mentioned; for three or more items, use 'the first' and 'the last' instead.
• Rhymes for former
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective originates from Middle English formere, formed as a back-formation from foremost (Old English fyrmest, 'first'), influenced by the comparative suffix -er. The agentive noun meaning 'one who forms' derives separately from the verb 'form' plus '-er'.