The quality or state of being former; the condition of having previously existed or held a position.
From 'former' (from Latin 'formosus,' meaning beautiful, or 'prior') + '-ness' (suffix denoting a quality or state). Emphasizes the abstract quality of being past or previous.
English loves adding '-ness' to adjectives, but this word is peculiar because it tries to make 'formerness' a thing—yet we rarely use it, preferring 'being former' instead. It shows how not all grammatically possible words become popular.
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