former
noun/ˈfɔːmə(r)/
/ˈfɔːrmər/
- the former(plural the former)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.
- However, the former are excluded.
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- a person or thing that forms something
- opinion formers and policy makers
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old English forma ‘first’ + -er.
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former