The phrase "most formerly" is spelled with the IPA transcription: /moʊst ˈfɔrmərli/. The word "most" is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "boat" and a soft "s" sound in the beginning. "Formerly" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable with the "or" sound as in "more" and a soft "l" sound at the end. "Most formerly" is an idiomatic expression that means at some point in the past, or previously.
Most formerly is an adverbial phrase that refers to something that was true or in effect in the distant past, but is no longer the case. The term "most" indicates that it was the most prevalent or widely recognized state or condition at some previous point in time. "Formerly" in this context means in the earlier period or previously.
This phrase is typically used to emphasize the obsolescence or outdated nature of something by highlighting that it was once prevalent, but is now less common or completely obsolete. It suggests a marked change or shift from the way things were before. "Most formerly" is often used when discussing technological advancements, societal norms, or cultural practices, where it underscores the noticeable progress or transformation that has occurred over time.
For example, in the sentence, "Printed newspapers were most formerly the primary source of news," the term "most formerly" conveys that newspapers were once the predominant medium for receiving news but have since been superseded by digital media platforms. It highlights the past significance and dominance of printed newspapers, while also acknowledging their decline in recent times.
To summarize, "most formerly" refers to a previous period when something was the prevailing or widely recognized state of affairs, but is no longer the case due to subsequent changes or developments.