Aforementioned
/əˈfɔːrˌmɛnʃənd/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Aforementioned is an adjective used to describe a person, thing, or idea that has been mentioned before. It helps avoid repeating the same words by referring back to something already introduced. It is often used in formal writing or speech.
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⚡ See It in Action
Referring to something mentioned earlier in writing or speech
- •The aforementioned rules must be followed at all times.
- •Please review the aforementioned documents before the meeting.
- •The issues discussed in the aforementioned chapter are complex.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "aforementioned" like "already said," but in a more formal way to point back to something before
- ✓Imagine reading a book where the author says "the aforementioned problem" — you remember the problem they talked about earlier
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says "as I said before" but in one word
- ✓Sounds like "a-four-men-shunned" → imagine four men being pointed at again because they were mentioned earlier
- ✓In stories or reports, "aforementioned" helps keep the text clear by not repeating long names or descriptions
- ✓NOT like "new" (something just introduced), "aforementioned" always points back to something old in the conversation or text
- ✓NOT like "future" (something coming next), it refers to something already mentioned
- ✓NOT like "repeated" (saying the same thing again), it just points to the first mention without saying it again
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Previously mentioned: meaning something said before (Use in formal or informal contexts when you want to be clear)
- •Earlier stated: meaning something said earlier (Use mostly in writing or formal speech)
- •Said before: meaning something spoken earlier (Use in casual conversation)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "a-" (prefix meaning "on" or "toward") + "fore" (before) + "mention" (to say) + "-ed" (past participle suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old English and Latin roots meaning "to mention before"
- •Historical development: Originally used in legal and formal texts to refer clearly to earlier statements
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal writing to refer back to something already introduced, avoiding repetition
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does using "aforementioned" help make writing clearer and shorter?
•Can you think of times when using "aforementioned" might be too formal or confusing in everyday speech?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Please refer to the aforementioned ___ before making your decision.
2.The contract includes the terms and conditions mentioned in the aforementioned ___.
3.Unlike new information, the aforementioned ___ has already been discussed.
4.The report summarizes data from the aforementioned ___ and adds new analysis.
5.When writing formal emails, using "aforementioned" can ___ repetition of long phrases.
6.The lawyer cited the aforementioned ___ to support the case.
7.If you forget what the aforementioned ___ refers to, you should look back at the previous paragraph.