former

来自古英语forma的比较级，来自PIE*pre-mo, 最早的，*pre-, 在先，词源同far, *mo, 最高级后缀，词源同intimate, ultimate. 该词实际上是最高级的比较级。比较foremost.

former

former: [12] Former is a comparative form based on Middle English forme ‘first (in time or order)’, on the analogy of the superlative foremost [16] (which was originally formost [12]; the modern spelling came about through association with fore and most). Forme itself goes back to Old English forma, which was a descendant of a prehistoric Germanic superlative from derived from *fora ‘before’ (whence also English first, for, and fore). So untangling the suffixal accretions of centuries, former means etymologically ‘more most before’.
=> first, for, fore, primary

former (adj.)

"earlier in time," mid-12c., comparative of forme "first, earliest in time or order," from Old English forma "first," from Proto-Germanic *fruma-, *furma-, from PIE *pre-mo-, suffixed (superlative) form of root *per- (1) "forward, through; before; first" (see per). Probably patterned on formest (see foremost); it is an unusual case of a comparative formed from a superlative (the Old English -m is a superlative suffix). As "first of two," 1580s.

former (n.)

"one who gives form," mid-14c., agent noun from form (v.). The Latin agent noun was formator.

1. The unemployed executives include former sales managers, directors and accountants.

被解雇的管理人员包括前销售经理、主管和会计。

2. A former associate of Mr. Pierce's was among the project's boosters.

皮尔斯先生的一个前合伙人是这个计划的热心支持者之一。

3. The former owner had not left any forwarding address.

以前的房主没有留下任何转递地址。

4. The airline plans to auction its international routes to former competitors.

这家航空公司打算把他们的国际线路拍卖给以前的竞争对手。

5. One former director embezzled $34 million in company funds.

一名前主管挪用了3,400万美元的公司资金。