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单词 erstwhile
释义

erstwhile

1 of 2

adverb

erst·​while ˈərst-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce erstwhile (audio)
: in the past : formerly
cultures, erstwhile unknown to each other Robert Plank

erstwhile

2 of 2

adjective

: former, previous
erstwhile enemies

Did you know?

The adverb erstwhile has been part of English since at least the 16th century, but it is formed from two words that are much older. It comes from the Old English words aer, meaning "early," and hwil, which has the same meaning as the modern word while. (The English word ere, meaning "before," is also a descendant of aer.) These days erstwhile is more likely to be encountered as an adjective, as in "erstwhile enemies." That adjective use is a much more recent development, having joined the language about three centuries after the adverb.

Synonyms

Adverb

  • formerly
  • once
  • onetime

Adjective

  • former
  • late
  • old
  • once
  • onetime
  • other
  • past
  • quondam
  • sometime
  • whilom
See all Synonyms & Antonyms

Example Sentences

Adverb there's now a store where erstwhile lay green and pleasant pastures Adjective my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty. Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020
Adjective
The 30-minute film about the erstwhile big, ballpark by the river will be shown in the hall of fame’s theater. Jason Williams, The Enquirer, 22 Aug. 2022 Confused, alarmed, and unbalanced by the changing world around them, America’s erstwhile progressive class has been eventually reduced to the grunt. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 22 June 2022 Even amid a late New York jaunt, Maggie – group alpha, as sporadic childhood flashbacks underline – can be seen struggling with the fact that erstwhile fledgling Birdy is outgrowing her in life and love. Mike Mccahill, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022 Cheney's defeat marks a bookend to a meteoric rise and swift fall for an erstwhile GOP star. Bytal Axelrod, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2022 Possibly the erstwhile home of King Arthur’s court, the English county is a centuries-old agricultural center renowned for its Cheddar and cider apples. New York Times, 15 July 2022 Four Trump advisers received subpoenas to testify, including Senator Lindsey Graham, erstwhile U.S. attorney and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and Georgia Congressman Jody Hice. Maya Wiley, The New Republic, 22 July 2022 The erstwhile Face of Fenway is serving as the unofficial ambassador and leading man for the hometown Los Angeles Dodgers as picturesque Dodger Stadium hosts the Mid-Summer Classic for the first time since 1980. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 In his place, a more mature version of the franchise’s erstwhile top prospect has materialized. Joe Noga, cleveland, 15 July 2022 See More

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1569, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1849, in the meaning defined above

erstwhile 1 of 2

adjective

as in former
having been such at some previous time my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
  • former
  • old
  • other
  • quondam
  • onetime
  • late
  • past
  • whilom
  • once
  • defunct
  • sometime
  • bygone
  • departed
  • vanished
  • long-ago
  • extinct
  • expired
  • gone
  • dead

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • current
  • present
  • extant
  • contemporary
  • prospective
  • ongoing
  • present-day
  • future
  • unborn
  • coming
See More

erstwhile

2 of 2

adverb

as in formerly
at an earlier or previous time there's now a store where erstwhile lay green and pleasant pastures

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • formerly
  • once
  • onetime

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • recently
  • now
  • currently
  • presently
  • lately
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更新时间:2024/12/23 10:27:07