formerly

/ˈfɔːrməli/

in the past

She was a teacher, but now she works in marketing.

The word 'formerly' indicates her previous occupation.

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.

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