former

Universal Words adjective [onlybeforenoun] 1 that used to exist in earlier times: in former times * the countries of the former Soviet Union * This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory. 2 that used to have a particular position or status in the past: the former world champion * my former boss / colleague / wife 3 (the former...) used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned: The former option would be much more sensible. compareLATTER 4 (the former) pronoun the first of two things or people mentioned: He had to choose between giving up his job and giving up his principles. He chose the former. compareLATTER IDIOMS be a shadow / ghost of your former self to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have: When his career ended, he became a shadow of his former self.