in former times

former times — the past, the old days …   English contemporary dictionary

former — former1 [fôr′mər] adj. [ME formere, compar. of forme, first < OE forma: see FOREMOST] 1. preceding in time; earlier; past [in former times] 2. first mentioned of two: often used absolutely (with the) [Jack and Bill are twins, but the former is …   English World dictionary

former — for|mer1 [ fɔrmər ] function word *** Former can be used in the following ways: as an adjective (only before a noun): She still visits her former husband. as a pronoun (after the ): Given the choice between rose pink and olive green, I d choose… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

former — I UK [ˈfɔː(r)mə(r)] / US [ˈfɔrmər] adjective, pronoun *** Summary: Former can be used in the following ways: as an adjective (only before a noun): She still visits her former husband. as a pronoun (after the ): Given the choice between rose pink… …   English dictionary

former*/*/*/ — [ˈfɔːmə] grammar word summary: Former can be: ■ an adjective: She still visits her former husband. ■ a pronoun: He could resign or be dismissed, and he chose the former. 1) used for stating the job, title, status etc that someone or something had …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

former — for|mer1 W1S2 [ˈfo:mə US ˈfo:rmər] adj [only before noun] [Date: 1100 1200; Origin: forme first (12 16 centuries), from Old English forma] 1.) happening or existing before, but not now →↑present, previous ↑previous ▪ the former Soviet Union ▪… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

former — former1 /fawr meuhr/, adj. 1. preceding in time; prior or earlier: during a former stage in the proceedings. 2. past, long past, or ancient: in former times. 3. preceding in order; being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too… …   Universalium

former — adjective 1) the former bishop Syn: one time, erstwhile, sometime, ex , late; previous, foregoing, preceding, earlier, prior, past, last Ant: future, next 2) …   Thesaurus of popular words

former — adjective 1) the former bishop Syn: one time, erstwhile, sometime, ex , previous, preceding, earlier, prior, last 2) in former times Syn: earlier, old …   Synonyms and antonyms dictionary

former — I for•mer [[t]ˈfɔr mər[/t]] adj. 1) preceding in time; prior or earlier: on a former occasion[/ex] 2) past, long past, or ancient: in former times[/ex] 3) being the first mentioned of two (disting. from latter) 4) having once or previously been;… …   From formal English to slang

former — 1. attrib.adj. 1 of or occurring in the past or an earlier period (in former times). 2 having been previously (her former husband). 3 (prec. by the; often absol.) the first or first mentioned of two (opp. LATTER). Etymology: ME f. forme first,… …   Useful english dictionary