formerly

adverb

FOR-mur-lee/ˈfɔɹmɚli/UKFAW-muh-lee/ˈfɔːməli/

Often confused with formally

2 meanings of formerly

1
adverb
At an earlier time; previously, in contrast to the present situation.
The company, formerly a family business, was sold to investors last year.
He formerly served as the town's mayor before retiring.
Similarpreviously, once, earlier, before
Oppositenow, currently, presently
2
adverb
At some point in the past, during a period that has since passed.
This region was formerly part of a much larger kingdom.
Sailors formerly relied on the stars to navigate open water.
Similaronce, previously, earlier, historically, before
Oppositenow, currently, nowadays, today

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Origin

Formed from "former" combined with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".