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

And that is — or was, I guess? — formerly maybe more taboo.

From Los Angeles Times

Baldwin — a formerly accented yoga teacher who with husband Alec Baldwin and their seven baby “Baldwinitos” stars on, not surprisingly, “The Baldwins” — is only part of the cast’s reality TV contingent.

From Los Angeles Times

The Crossing pub – formerly The Blue Posts – can be seen to the right of the picture.

From BBC

About 120 protesters gathered on Links Road at a hotel formerly known as the Patio.

From BBC

His grandfather — formerly in law enforcement — and other relatives encouraged him to apply.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• already 
• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• heretofore 
• once