former
formers
Former refers to something that came at an earlier time, or before something else. For example, someone who believes in reincarnation might wonder about their former life — or even lives — before their present existence.
When something or someone has changed, we can refer to them as former. For example, Mr. Smith's ex-wife could be known as the former Mrs. Smith. We could consider almost anything as former, as long as it comes first, before something else. A good way to remember the meaning of former is to consider that it comes from the Old English forma, which means "first," and that both former and first begin with "f."
-
the first of two or the first mentioned of two“Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today”
-
Antonyms:
-
latter
the second of two or the second mentioned of two
-
type of:
-
first, number one
the first or highest in an ordering or series
-
latter
-
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)“I prefer the former version to the latter one”
-
Antonyms:
-
latter
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
-
last mentioned
the one most recently mentioned
- show more antonyms...
-
latter
-
(used especially of persons) of the immediate past
-
belonging to some prior time
-
belonging to the distant past
Vocabulary lists containing former
After her grandfather becomes sick, eleven-year-old Maizy moves from Los Angeles to Last Chance, Minnesota, where she struggles to fit in as her family's Chinese restaurant is targeted with racist attacks.
Axel, a bird-loving autistic boy from rural Pennsylvania, takes care of his family and a tiny eaglet after a tornado rips through his hometown.
Look up former for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
