Erstwhile
/ˈɜːrstˌwaɪl/
adjectiveadverbC2
Definition
Erstwhile is a formal word used to talk about something or someone that existed or was true in the past but is not anymore. It can describe past friends, jobs, times, or situations. It often shows a clear difference between the past and the present.
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See It in Action
Referring to something or someone from an earlier time, no longer current
- •He met with his erstwhile business partner to discuss old times.
- •The erstwhile champion has retired from the sport.
- •They were erstwhile friends but lost contact over the years.
(adverb) In the past; formerly
- •She was erstwhile a teacher before becoming a writer.
- •The building was erstwhile a school but now is a museum.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "erstwhile" like "old" or "former," but more formal and used for important past things or relationships.
- ✓Picture a photo of friends who were close before but now live far apart or do not meet.
- ✓It's the feeling when you remember someone who was once very important in your life but is not anymore.
- ✓Sounds like "first while" → imagine the FIRST time or period that has passed away.
- ✓In stories, characters might talk about their "erstwhile friends" who helped them in the past but are now gone.
- ✓NOT like "always" (something continuing now), "erstwhile" means it stopped or changed.
- ✓NOT like "former" (common and simple), "erstwhile" is more formal and often used in writing or serious speech.
- ✓NOT like "current" or "present," it always points to the past.
Try Other Words
- •Former: meaning from an earlier time, no longer current (Use in everyday speech)
- •Previous: happening before now (Use when talking about time order)
- •Once: at some time in the past (Use when emphasizing a single past moment)
- •Ex-: used as a prefix to show past status (Use mainly with people, like "ex-president")
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "erst" (old English for "first" or "former") + "while" (period of time)
- •Etymology: From Old English "ærst" meaning "first" and "while" meaning "time, period"
- •Historical development: Originally meant "at an earlier time," used in Middle English and kept in formal writing
- •Modern usage: Mostly found in formal writing, literature, or serious conversation to talk about past states or relationships
Reflect & Connect
•How does using a formal word like "erstwhile" change the feeling of a sentence compared to "former"?
•Can you think of a time when remembering an erstwhile friend or job helped you understand your present situation?
Fill in the blanks
1.His ___ business partner helped him start the company, but now they work separately.
2.The castle was an ___ royal residence, but today it is open to tourists.
3.She was ___ a famous singer before she became a teacher.
4.Unlike current friends, ___ friends may bring memories of a different time.
5.The politician met with his ___ rival to discuss peace.
6.The building served as a factory ___, but now it is a shopping mall.
7.When talking about ___ relationships, people often feel a mix of nostalgia and change.