- 1that used to exist in earlier times in former times the countries of the former Soviet Union This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory.
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- 2that used to have a particular position or status in the past the former world champion my former boss/colleague/wife
- 3the former… used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned The former option would be much more sensible. compare latter
- 4the former pronoun the first of two things or people mentioned He had to choose between giving up his job and giving up his principles. He chose the former. compare latter Idioms
to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have When his career ended, he became a shadow of his former self.
Check pronunciation: former