formerly
/ˈfɔɹmɚli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
at some time in the past
Adverb
Examples
Xenia Robertson, formerly known as Xenia Isaamov, is from Ukraine.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
previously; once
Adverb
Examples
This ranch was formerly owned by slaveholders.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “formerly” mean?
at some time in the past
Is “formerly” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.