Former Meaning and Definition
Former
Pronunciation
/ˈfórmər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has held a particular office, position, or rank in the past, but is no longer in that role.
Examples
- The former CEO is now a consultant.
- She was a former teacher before becoming a principal.
Synonyms
- Ex
- Previous
- Formerly
Antonyms
- Incumbent
- Current
Etymology
The word “former” comes from the Latin “formare”, meaning “to shape” or “to form”.
Additional Information
Formers are often referred to as “alumni” or “alumnae” if they have graduated from a specific institution. They may also be referred to as “olders” or “olds” in certain contexts, such as in the context of a specific company or organization.
Formers may still hold influence or connections within their former organization or community, and may be sought out for their expertise or advice.
Etymology
The word “former” has its origins in the 15th century, and has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and applications.
Usage Notes
The word “former” is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe someone who has held a particular position or role.
In informal contexts, the word “former” may be used more loosely to describe someone who used to do a particular activity or have a particular occupation.
Cultural References
The concept of “former” has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “Friends”, where the character Ross Geller refers to himself as a “former” high school student.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The word “former” is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “former lover” or “former colleague”.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to “former” include “ex”, “previous”, “former colleague”, “alumni”, and “old.”
Collocations
The word “former” often collocates with words such as “job”, “position”, “office”, “school”, and “university”.
Frequency of Use
The word “former” is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in formal or professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “former” include “formar”, “formur”, and “formerly”.