vormals
Translation
formerly, previously
Examples
Das Gebäude war vormals eine Schule.
The building was formerly a school.
Er war vormals als Lehrer tätig.
He formerly worked as a teacher.
Grammar Patterns
((Adverb)) + ((Verb)) was formerly ... The hotel was formerly a castle.
Similar Words
Synonyms: früher, ehemals, einst; Antonyms: heute, jetzt
Etymology
From 'vor-' (before) and '-mals' (times, from 'Mal'). It literally means 'before-times'.
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'vor' (before) + 'mals' (times). It refers to 'former times'.