Main entry: former
Definition: the first of two or the first mentioned of two
Usage: Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today
Main entry: former
Definition: referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
Usage: the novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one
Main entry: former, early, other
Definition: belonging to the distant past
Usage: the early inhabitants of Europe; former generations; in other times
Main entry: old, one-time, onetime, former, erstwhile, quondam, sometime
Definition: belonging to some prior time
Usage: erstwhile friend; our former glory; the once capital of the state; her quondam lover
Main entry: previous, former, late
Definition: (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
Usage: the former president; our late President is still very active; the previous occupant of the White House