Main Entry: ¹for·mer

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯr-mər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from forme first, from Old English forma — more at foremost

Date: 12th century

1 a : coming before in time b : of, relating to, or occurring in the past <former correspondence>
2 : preceding in place or arrangement : foregoing <the former part of the chapter>
3 : first in order of two or more things cited or understood <of the two given, the former spelling is more common> <of the two spellings, the former is more common>
4 : having been previously : onetime <a former athlete>

synonyms see preceding