How Do You Spell FORMERLY?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːməli] (IPA)

The word "formerly" is spelled as /ˈfɔːməli/. This word refers to something that happened or existed in the past. The first syllable "form" is pronounced as /fɔːm/ and refers to a shape or a configuration. The second syllable "er" is pronounced as /ər/ and is used as a suffix to show a comparative degree. The final syllable "ly" is pronounced as /li/ and is used to form adverbs. In writing, it is essential to spell words correctly, including "formerly," to ensure clear communication.

FORMERLY Meaning and Definition

1. Formerly is an adverb that refers to something that existed or occurred in the past but is no longer the case. It indicates a previous state, situation, or condition that is now different or has changed. This term is used to retrospectively describe and highlight a person, thing, or event's prior status or position.

   Being a temporal marker, formerly helps establish a connection between the past and current circumstances. It is most commonly employed in written and spoken language to specify a previous name, title, occupation, position, or condition. For instance, "Sarah, formerly a teacher, is now working as a pharmacist."

   In historical context, formerly aids in illustrating how a particular situation or phenomenon has changed over time. This adverb allows scholars, researchers, or writers to trace the evolution, development, or transformation of an aspect within a given timeframe.

   Furthermore, formerly is often used to denote a change in a person's marital status. It signifies that someone was previously married but is no longer. For example, "John Doe, formerly married to Mary Smith, is now single."

   Overall, formerly plays a crucial role in providing a clear and concise understanding of something that existed or occurred in the past but has subsequently ceased to exist or happen in the present.

2. In times past.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FORMERLY *

• formely 61.9469026%
• fomerly 6.1946902%
• formaly 5.3097345%
• fromerly 5.3097345%
• formerlly 4.4247787%
• formelly 1.7699115%
• formly 1.7699115%
• formarly 1.7699115%
• formully 0.8849557%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FORMERLY

• formilly
• formere
• forcely
• formerd
• formily
• famerly
• freerly
• fornerly
• foremerly
• normely
• forerly
• formorly
• formert
• formerely
• normelly
• formell
• Formmly
• farmely
• furmely
• fermeely
• FORMELLA
• wormery

Etymology of FORMERLY

The word "formerly" originated from the Late Latin word "formaliter", which was derived from the Latin adjective "formalis", meaning "having the form of". The prefix "form-" in Latin refers to shape or form. Over time, "formaliter" evolved into the Middle English word "formerly", which eventually became the word we know today.

Similar spelling words for FORMERLY

• formal,
• formally,
• formerol,
• firmer,
• formula,
• former,
• Fournier,
• fermoral,
• farmer.