formerly
word · lemma: former
/ˈfɔɹmɝɫi/
/fˈɔːməli/
Definition
At an earlier time in the past; used to talk about something that was true or happened before but is not true or does not happen now.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly formal or written English. Shows a situation has changed. Often used at the beginning of a sentence: "Formerly, he lived in Rome." Don't confuse with "previously," which is more neutral and common in speech.
Spanish: anteriormente - antesPortuguese (BR): anteriormente - outroraPortuguese (PT): anteriormente - dantesChinese (Simplified): 以前 - 从前Chinese (Traditional): 以前 - 從前Hindi: पहले - पूर्व मेंArabic: سابقًا - في السابقBengali: আগে - পূর্বেRussian: ранее - раньшеJapanese: 以前は - かつてVietnamese: trước đây - từngKorean: 예전에 - 이전에Turkish: önceden - eskidenUrdu: پہلے - سابقاًIndonesian: sebelumnya - dahulu
Example Sentences
She formerly worked as a teacher.
basic
Many buildings that are hotels now were formerly factories.
basic
My neighbor was formerly a professional musician.
basic
This land was formerly covered by forest, but now it's farmland.
natural
He was formerly known as a strict boss, but now he's much friendlier.
natural
The store was formerly a cinema, which is why the entrance is so grand.
natural