Definition

Adverb: * At a previous time; in the past. Used to indicate that something was true or happened in the past but is not true or does not happen now.

Usage

The adverb formerly is used to contrast a past state, condition, or identity with a present one. It typically modifies a verb or a clause and is often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause for emphasis.

Examples

• Formerly, this building was a school. (It is not a school now.)
• The company, formerly known as Acme Inc., has rebranded.
• She was formerly the head of the department before her promotion.
• This land was formerly covered by a forest.

Advanced Usage

• "As was formerly the case": Used to compare a past situation with the present.
  • The procedure is now automated, as was formerly the case with manual checks.
• Contrasting with "currently" or "now": Often used in sentences that explicitly state the current situation.
  • He is a novelist but was formerly a journalist.

Variants and Related Words

• Former (adjective): Of or in an earlier time; having been previously.
  • The former president gave a speech.
• Erstwhile (adjective, formal): Former.
  • He met with his erstwhile colleague.

Synonyms

• Previously: At a previous or earlier time.
• Once: At some time in the past.
• Heretofore (formal): Before this time.
• In the past: During a period before the present.

Antonyms

• Currently: At the present time.
• Now: At the present time or moment.
• Presently: At the present time (in some dialects, it can mean "soon").
• Latterly (formal): Recently; in the recent past.

Adverb

1. at a previous time;
   • at one time he loved her
   • her erstwhile writing
   • she was a dancer once