бывшим

бывшим

"Former" or "ex-."

Here, 'бывшим' functions as an adjective meaning 'former', describing 'друга' (friend).

Я встретил своего бывшего друга на улице.

I met my former friend on the street.

Here, 'бывшим' is used as a noun in its instrumental case, referring to 'ex-husband'.

Она общается со своим бывшим мужем.

She communicates with her ex-husband.

Here, 'бывшим' is an instrumental case adjective modifying 'офицером' (officer), meaning 'former'.

Будучи бывшим офицером, он понимает дисциплину.

Being a former officer, he understands discipline.