formerly

[ fawr-mer-lee ]

adverb

1. in time past; in an earlier period or age; previously:

   a custom formerly observed.

2. Obsolete. in time just past; just now.

formerly

/ ˈfɔːməlɪ /

adverb

1. at or in a former time; in the past
2. obsolete.
   in the immediate past; just now

Word History and Origins

Origin of formerly¹

First recorded in 1580–90; former ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

John Boozman, Arkansas Republican and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, echoed this point on X, formerly known as Twitter.

From Salon

The ETH Zurich researchers analysed fat tissue biopsies from formerly overweight people who had undergone stomach reduction or gastric bypass surgery.

From Science Daily

To put it simply, it looks how X, formerly known as Twitter, used to look.

From BBC

In 2017, Disney removed the bridal auction scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and changed one of the women formerly being auctioned into a pirate leader.

From Los Angeles Times

Having dropped all five road games this season, the Huskies have been equally dominant at home, their 5-0 record including victories over nationally ranked Michigan and the football program formerly known as USC.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• already
• earlier
• heretofore
• once