being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter. Use 'former' to describe something or someone that held a position or status in the past but no longer does.

Understanding the Context

It carries a formal tone and is often used in professional or official contexts. The former president gave a speech last night. She is a former employee of the company. Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one.

Key Insights

He would want you to remember him as he was in former years. When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former.