formerly

/ˈfɔːrməli/

adverb★Intermediate— in the past

formalinformal

in a time before the present; previously

He formerly worked as a software engineer before switching to data science.

This sentence uses 'formerly' to describe a past job.

The building was formerly a theater but is now a museum.

Here, 'formerly' indicates the building's previous use.

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Often used to contrast past and present situations or roles.

Collocations

formerly known asused to refer to a past name or identity

a phrase used to refer to a past name or identity

Use 'formerly' to contrast past and present situations clearly.

From Middle English 'formorly', from Old English 'fōrum' (before) + 'līċe' (like).

Commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe past states or roles.

English Dictionary