former former /ˈfɔrmɝ/

adjective

1. () Referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)  ( former )
   referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
    The novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one
   the novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one
   
2. () Belonging to some prior time  ( erstwhile , old , one-time , former , onetime , quondam , sometime )
   belonging to some prior time
    Erstwhile friend
   erstwhile friend
    Our former glory
   our former glory
    The once capital of the state
   the once capital of the state
    Her quondam lover
   her quondam lover
   
3. () (used especially of persons) of the immediate past  ( late , former , previous )
   (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
    The former president
   the former president
    Our late President is still very active
   our late President is still very active
    The previous occupant of the White House
   the previous occupant of the White House
   
4. Belonging to the distant past  ( former , other , early )
   belonging to the distant past
    The early inhabitants of Europe
   the early inhabitants of Europe
    Former generations
   former generations
    In other times
   in other times
   

noun

1. The first of two or the first mentioned of two  ( former )
   the first of two or the first mentioned of two
    Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today
   Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today