formerly Meaning & Definition
ˈfȯr-mər-lē
What Does Formerly Mean?
Formerly is used as an adverb meaning at an earlier time. It can also mean just before.
Formerly at a Glance
| Part of speech | adverb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈfȯr-mər-lē/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | once, at one time and erstwhile |
| Antonyms | lately, recently and currently |
| First known use | 1534 |
Formerly Definition (Adverb)
- at an earlier time : previously
Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople.
- just before
Synonyms of Formerly
onceat one timeerstwhileonetimeaforeaheadalreadyantecedentlyanteriorlybeforebeforehandearlierpreliminarilypreviously
Formerly synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Formerly
Formerly in a Sentence
Xenia Robertson, formerly known as Xenia Isaamov, is from Ukraine.
This ranch was formerly owned by slaveholders.
Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople.
the newspaper formerly known as The Newsprint
if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now
Word Forms & Grammar
formerly
formerly (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Formerly
Origin of Formerly
From former + -ly.
First Known Use
1534
How to Pronounce Formerly
Formerly is pronounced /ˈfȯr-mər-lē/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (fȯr).
Formerly: Your Questions Answered
What part of speech is formerly?
Formerly is an adverb.
What is another word for formerly?
You can replace formerly with words such as once, at one time and erstwhile. See the full list of formerly synonyms and antonyms.