former
word
Definition
Used to refer to the first of two people or things mentioned, or to someone or something that had a particular role or status in the past. It often appears before a noun, as in 'former president'.
Usage & Nuances
'Former' is more formal than 'old' or 'previous' in many contexts. For past roles, 'former president' means someone who used to be president; for two mentioned items, 'the former' contrasts with 'the latter'. Don't use it for simple sequence when 'previous' is more natural, such as 'my previous job' in everyday speech.
Example Sentences
The former CEO still advises the company sometimes.
natural
She is a former teacher.
basic
This building was a former school.
basic
Tom and Jake are brothers. The former is taller.
basic
A former coworker called me out of the blue yesterday.
natural
Between the apartment and the house, I’d choose the former.
natural