English Explanatory Dictionary

erstwhile

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adv
  1. Formerly; in the past.
adj
  1. Former, previous.
  2. Respected, honourable.

Pronunciation

/ˈɜː(ɹ)st.waɪl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-erstwhile.wav /ˈɝst.waɪl/ En-us-erstwhile.oga

Word forms

erstwhile

Etymology

From erst (“first, formerly”) + while.

Synonyms

erewhile former once previous quondam onetime antecedent anterior earlier erstwhile ex foregone hitherto old olden past preceding precedent prior sometime used-to-be whilom
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