former
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,010 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 18,147 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.009% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several) the novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one
- belonging to some prior time also: erstwhile, old, onetime, one-time, quondam, sometime erstwhile friendour former glory
- (used especially of persons) of the immediate past also: late, previous the former presidentour late President is still very active
- belonging to the distant past also: early, other the early inhabitants of Europeformer generations
noun
- the first of two or the first mentioned of two Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today
former in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Mux went back to his former place.
Cornelli · Johanna Spyri · Chapter 1
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Again at night he saw the star, and all that former company.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1
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Jim acknowledged the presence of the former, and his efforts in Mag's behalf told also of a finer principle.
Our Nig · Harriet E. Wilson · Chapter 1
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Former love was once admired, Present favour is estranged, Loath the pleasure long desired; Thus both men and thoughts are changed.
Elizabethan Sonnet Cycles: Phillis - Licia · Martha Foote [Editor] Crow · Chapter 1
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And when that son made his appearance, looking quite sheepish, his first impulse was to resort to his former mode of correction.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1