the former
collocation前者（两者中首先被提及的一个）
I was offered tea or coffee, but I chose the former.
有人让我在茶和咖啡之间选择，但我选择了前者。
前者；首先提到的那个
formers — plural of former
先理解核心含义，再看它在真实句子里的用法。
前者；首先提到的那个
the first of two people or things mentioned
Between coffee and tea, I prefer the former.
在咖啡和茶之间，我更喜欢前者。
通常与 the 连用
形成者；制造者；创始人
Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.
两者中的第一个或首先被提及的一个
the first of two or the first mentioned of two
用于成型的物体,如模板、量规或切割模具
An object used to form something, such as a template, gauge, or cutting die.
The former of the two options is more practical.
这两个选项中前者更为实用。
AI contextual example
Of the two candidates, the former has more experience.
这两位候选人中，前者更有经验。
AI contextual example
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today
汤姆和迪克都是英雄,但今天只有前者被记住。
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前者（两者中首先被提及的一个）
I was offered tea or coffee, but I chose the former.
有人让我在茶和咖啡之间选择，但我选择了前者。
舆论塑造者；意见领袖
Tech influencers have become powerful opinion formers.
科技领域的影响者已成为强大的舆论塑造者。
鞋楦（制鞋用的成形器）
A good shoe former helps the leather keep its shape.
好的鞋楦有助于皮革保持形状。
Use formers naturally, then get feedback on meaning, tone, grammar, and phrasing.
Revisit a common error or keep this word in your review list.
记忆联想：former = form（形成）+ -er（者），所以是‘形成者/制造者’；又因‘前者’排在前，记住 form 开头的 f-o-r 像‘在前’即可。
语域：formal 常见场景：academic writing、formal speeches 表示“两者中的前者”时，通常用于正式书面语或正式演讲中，常与 the latter 对举。日常口语中较少用，口语里更常说 the first one。
作为名词时，通常与定冠词the连用，指代两个事物中的第一个。
Dictionary facts from DICTIONARY_API_DEV, ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.