former

Everyday

1. Former means earlier, from before but not now: «the former head teacher», «a former champion». tree →
2. The former means the first of two things just mentioned; the second is «the latter». tree →
3. (UK schools, old) A form is a class, and some schools call a pupil «a sixth-former». tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, «former colonies» and «former presidents» are common. In writing and reading comprehension, «the former… the latter» helps compare two things without repeating them. In design technology, a former is a frame or mould something is shaped around. Phrases: «former pupil», «in former times», «the former and the latter».

Examples

• Our former teacher came to visit. tree →
• He is a former Olympic champion. tree →
• Tea and coffee? I prefer the former, so tea please. tree →
• Kenya is a former British colony. tree →
• The castle is a shadow of its former self. tree →
• In former times, children worked in factories. tree →
• My sister is a sixth-former. tree →
• The poor Jackdaw returned sadly to his former companions. tree →

Note

«The former» = first of two; «the latter» = second. Use only with two things; for more, say «the first» and «the last». Adverb: formerly. Do not confuse with «formal» or «farmer».

In Jewish tradition

"Former rain and latter rain" mean the early autumn rain and the spring rain, both needed for the crops in the Land of Israel.

Interpretation. The two rains are read in the Shema as God's reward for keeping the commandments. Rain in its season is tied to Israel's faithfulness.

Examples

• that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. (Torah DEU.11.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• within yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head, and restore thee unto thine office; and thou shalt give Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. (Torah GEN.40.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto the Arnon. (Torah NUM.21.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner. (Prophets 2KI.17.40, JPS 1917) tree →
• Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. (Prophets ISA.43.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Where are Thy former mercies, O Lord, which Thou didst swear unto David in Thy faithfulness? (Writings PSA.89.50, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«The former» = first of two; «the latter» = second. Use only with two things; for more, say «the first» and «the last». Adverb: formerly. Do not confuse with «formal» or «farmer».