former
Translation
former, previous, ex-
Examples
The former president gave a speech.
The former president gave a speech.
Of the two options, I prefer the former.
Of the two options, I prefer the former.
Grammar Patterns
((the)) former ((noun)) referring to someone or something that had a particular role in the past The former president gave a speech.
the former referring to the first of two things mentioned Of the two options, I prefer the former.
Similar Words
Synonyms: previous, prior, ex-; Antonyms: latter, current, present
Etymology
Comparative of Old English 'forma' meaning 'first'. Related to 'foremost'.
Memory Tips
'Former' sounds like 'before'. It refers to something that came before the current one.