adv
formerly
FAW-muh-lee
adv
1
At an earlier time; previously.
"The building was formerly a cinema."
"She was formerly known by her maiden name."
How to Use Formerly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to say what something used to be before it changed.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "formally" (in a formal manner) — they sound alike but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
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The building was _____ a cinema.
Etymology
From former + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.