formerly
adv. time B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈfɔɹmɝɫi// UK //fˈɔːməli// for·mer·ly
adv. in the past or at an earlier time. You use this to talk about what something used to be called or what someone's job used to be.
adv. at a previous time; in the past. Often used to introduce a previous name, title, or status that has since changed.
This building was formerly a school.
The city was formerly known as Saigon before it was renamed in 1976.
The museum is housed in a structure that formerly served as the royal mint, preserving the industrial architecture of the previous century.
From former + -ly.
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective, noun, or verb it modifies, or between an auxiliary verb and the main verb.