Quondam: meaning, definitions and examples

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quondam

 

[ หˆkwษ’ndษ™m ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

former time

The term 'quondam' is an archaic adjective that means 'former' or 'of former times.' It is used to describe something that has previously existed or been in a specific state. Though largely obsolete in modern usage, it may appear in historical texts or discussions about the past. Its connotation often carries a sense of nostalgia or reminiscent quality. As it is not commonly used in contemporary language, it has become rather specialized.

Synonyms

former, previous, prior

Examples of usage

  • The quondam king ruled with an iron fist.
  • She returned to her quondam home after many years.
  • They spoke of their quondam friendship with fondness.

Translations

Translations of the word "quondam" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น antigo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‚เคฐเฅเคต

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ehemalig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dahulu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปะธัˆะฝั–ะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dawny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใคใฆใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ancien

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ antiguo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eski

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ „

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุงุจู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bรฝvalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bรฝvalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฟ‡ๅŽป็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nekdanji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fyrr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑั€ั‹ะฝา“ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒงแƒแƒคแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ keรงmiลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ antiguo

Etymology

The word 'quondam' originates from the Latin term 'quondam,' which means 'formerly' or 'once.' This Latin root is derived from the word 'quando,' meaning 'when,' indicating a reference to a time that has passed. The term was integrated into English during the late Middle Ages and was primarily used in literary and formal contexts. Over time, its usage diminished, leading to its current status as an archaic term. Today, 'quondam' is mostly encountered in historical literature, academic discussions, or as a stylistic choice in poetry, evoking a sense of the past. Its rarity in everyday language has made it a niche term, often appreciated by those with an interest in etymology or historical linguistics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,614, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.