<p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>preceding in time; prior or earlier: The first contestants were eliminated during a former stage in the proceedings.</li><li>past, long past, or ancient: In former times, willow was consumed for pain.</li><li>preceding in order; being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly.</li><li>having once, or previously, been; erstwhile: Every former president receives a lifelong security detail.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>antecedent</li><li>foregoing</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the former, the first mentioned of two (the latter): There are still economy and business class tickets available, but be sure to book the former if you're on a budget.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>ex-</li><li>past</li></ul>