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Erstwhile: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ
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erstwhile

 

[ หˆษœหrstหŒwaษชl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

previous time

The term 'erstwhile' is used to describe something or someone that was formerly in a particular condition or quality but is no longer so. It carries a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence, often implying that the past state was notable or significant. This word often appears in literary and formal contexts when recounting past events or experiences. It serves to highlight a contrast between past and present states.

Synonyms

former, old, once, past, previous

Examples of usage

  • The erstwhile champion was defeated in the finals.
  • Her erstwhile confidence has now turned into doubt.
  • They reminisced about their erstwhile adventures together.

Translations

Translations of the word "erstwhile" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น anterior

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‚เคฐเฅเคตเคตเคฐเฅเคคเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ehemalig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dulu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปะธัˆะฝั–ะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dawny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใคใฆใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ancien

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ anterior

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eski

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด์ „์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุงุจู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรกvnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bรฝvalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไปฅๅ‰็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nekdanji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fyrrverandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑั€ั‹ะฝา“ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ keรงmiลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ anterior

Word origin

The word 'erstwhile' originates from the Old English term 'รฆrest' meaning 'first' or 'earliest' and 'while', which refers to time. It was historically used in English literature and poetry to indicate a period of time that has since passed. Over the centuries, its usage evolved to denote something that was once true but is no longer the case. The term suggests a sense of nostalgia and reflects on the changes that time brings. By the late Middle Ages, 'erstwhile' became a common term in written texts, often carrying a more formal connotation. Its remnants can still be seen in various literary works from the 19th century and earlier, continuing to evoke a sense of history and remembrance in contemporary usage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,454, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.