Formerly Meaning and Definition
Formerly
Pronunciation
/fɔrˈmərli/
Part of Speech
Adverb
Definition
A word used to indicate that a place, person, or thing was previously what is now indicated by another word, phrase, or clause.
Examples
- The palace was formerly a private residence.
- She was formerly a professor, but now she’s a full-time writer.
- The company was formerly known as XYZ Inc.
- He was formerly a competitor, but now he’s a partner.
Synonyms
- Previously
- Heretofore
- Beforehand
Antonyms
- Recently
- Lately
- Currently
Etymology
The word ‘Formerly’ comes from the Old French ‘formelmant’, meaning ‘formerly’, which is derived from the Latin ‘formaliter’, meaning ‘in a formal manner’, itself derived from ‘forma’, meaning ‘form’ or ‘shape’.
Usage Notes
When using ‘Formerly’, it is often necessary to provide additional context to clarify what the subject was previously, especially when combining it with other words or phrases.
Cultural References
‘Formerly’ can be found in various phrases and expressions in literature, music, and everyday language, often used to convey a sense of transition or change.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘Formerly’ is often paired with words like ‘known’, ‘called’, ‘called’, or ‘called’, as in ‘the museum was formerly known as the city gallery’, to convey a sense of change in name or status.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to ‘Formerly’ include ‘previously’, ‘heretofore’, and ‘formerly’.
Collocations
‘Formerly’ often collocates with words like ‘known’, ‘called’, ‘named’, and ‘said’, as in ‘it was formerly known as ABC’, to convey a sense of prior existence or identity.
Frequency of Use
‘Formerly’ is relatively infrequent in modern language, often used in formal or professional contexts to convey a sense of change or transition.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of ‘Formerly’ include ‘Formently’, ‘Formarely’, and ‘Fomermly’.