formerly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "formerly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "formerly crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EX: A common prefix or abbreviation for something that was once, e.g., an ex-partner or ex-president.
4 Letters
ONCE: Denotes a single time in the past or a former state.
5 Letters
PRIOR: Referring to something that existed or happened before.
6 Letters
BEFORE: Earlier than the present or another specified time.
9 Letters
ERSTWHILE: Former; at one time, formerly. Often used in formal or literary contexts, making it a common crossword term.
10 Letters
PREVIOUSLY: At a previous or earlier time. A widely used adverb indicating a past occurrence.
HERETOFORE: Before this time; until now. Another formal adverb often seen in crosswords for 'formerly'.
More About "formerly crossword clue"
The clue "formerly" in a crossword puzzle is designed to prompt you to think about past states, prior roles, or things that existed at an earlier point in time. This seemingly simple clue can have a wide array of answers, ranging from short, common prefixes like 'EX' to longer, more formal adverbs such as 'PREVIOUSLY' or 'HERETOFORE'. The variety in possible answers makes it a versatile clue, often relying on the surrounding letters to guide you to the correct solution.
Understanding the nuances of "formerly" means considering not just synonyms but also related concepts. For instance, a person's "former" title or an object's "prior" condition. Crossword constructors love to use words that might be slightly archaic but are still recognized, such as 'ERSTWHILE', to challenge solvers. Always consider how the word fits the overall context of the puzzle, and remember that sometimes a single clue like "formerly" can be satisfied by multiple words of different lengths.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Length: "Formerly" can be answered by short words (like EX, ONCE) or much longer ones (like PREVIOUSLY, HERETOFORE). Always check the available spaces in your grid first.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue will be more specific, e.g., "Formerly known as..." or "Former spouse." These additional words can narrow down your options significantly.
- Think About Prefixes: The prefix "ex-" is a very common and short answer for "formerly," especially when referring to people or positions.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with a range of synonyms for "formerly," including more formal or less common ones like "erstwhile" or "hitherto," as these are frequent crossword answers.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting words first. Knowing a few letters in the answer for "formerly" can make it much easier to deduce the full word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of words often relate to "formerly" in crosswords?
Words related to "formerly" typically include adverbs indicating past time (e.g., ONCE, PREVIOUSLY, HERETOFORE), adjectives describing a former state (e.g., ERSTWHILE, PRIOR), or prefixes denoting a past role (e.g., EX-).
How can I distinguish between "formerly" and "presently" clues?
Clues for "formerly" will use past tense indicators, historical references, or words like 'old,' 'ex-,' 'once.' 'Presently' clues will use current tense, 'now,' 'current,' 'today,' or 'at the moment' indicators.
Are there common abbreviations or short forms for "formerly" in crosswords?
Yes, 'EX' is a very common two-letter answer for 'formerly' when it refers to a former partner or a state of being. 'P.M.' (Post Meridiem) can sometimes imply 'after' but rarely 'formerly' directly unless specifically clued that way. Stick to common synonyms like 'EX' or 'ONCE' for shorter answers.