Definition

Referring to someone or something that was previously in a particular role or state but is no longer so.

Example

She met her erstwhile friend at the reunion after many years.

Conversation

I ran into our erstwhile neighbor the other day.

Oh really? How is he doing now?

He seemed nice, just like I remember from before.

That's great to hear! It's always good to reconnect with old friends.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

At a time in the past; previously or formerly.

Example

He was an erstwhile champion, but now he has retired from the sport.

Conversation

Do you remember our erstwhile hangout spots from high school?

Of course! We had so many great times there.

I often think about how much fun we had back then.

Root Explanation

**Erstwhile** → The word originates from Old English 'ærest' (meaning first) and 'hwile' (meaning while or time). It refers to a time that was once, or formerly, indicating something that was in the past.

Memory Tip

Think of 'first time' ('ærest') and 'while' ('hwile') to remember that 'erstwhile' means something that was once or formerly.

Visually Confused Words