former

Definitions

1. adjective

   Earlier, not current.

   Examples

   • A former president spoke at the event.
   • He visited the former East Germany.
   ≈erstwhile≈sometime≈whilom≈wont-to-be≠next +9 more
2. adjective

   The first of two things mentioned.

   Examples

   • The former is a good idea but the latter is not.
   • We have two cars. We won the former on a game show.
   ≠latter
3. noun

   A person who makes or starts something.

   Examples

   • Dave was the former of the company.
   • She is remembered as the former of the local charity.
4. noun

   A tool or shape used to form something.

   Examples

   • The brick arch was built over a wooden former.
   • The metalworker shaped the sheet over a steel former.
5. noun

   A student in a certain school year, as in sixth former.

   Examples

   • She is a fifth former.
   • The sixth formers took their exams that week.