Erstwhile - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Erstwhile means former or previous, referring to something that was true in the past but is no longer the case. It is often used to describe past roles, states, or relationships.
Definition:
Former, previous, or in the past; no longer the case.
Synonyms:
Former, previous, past, one-time, ex-
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
Current, present
Common Collocations:
Erstwhile friend, erstwhile leader, erstwhile partner
Derivatives:
(No common derivatives)
Usage Tips:
Use "erstwhile" to describe something or someone that was once a certain way but no longer is.
Common Phrases:
(No common phrases or idioms)
Etymology:
From Old English "ǣrest" (earliest) + "hwīl" (time), meaning "former time."
Examples:
- 1. My erstwhile colleague now works at a different company.
- 2. She visited her erstwhile school during the reunion.
- 3. The erstwhile champion struggled in his comeback match.
- 4. His erstwhile confidence faded after the failure.