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When Do You Use Erstwhile?

Maya Lin-Takahashi • • 4 min read
When Do You Use Erstwhile?

You use erstwhile to describe someone that used to be the type of person indicated, but no longer is. He fled to Brazil with Gloria Lopez, an erstwhile friend of his wife's.

What does erstwhile mean?

: in the past : formerly cultures, erstwhile unknown to each other— Robert Plank. erstwhile. adjective. Definition of erstwhile (Entry 2 of 2) : former, previous erstwhile enemies.

Is erstwhile an adjective?

The Erstwhile Meaning of 'Erstwhile'

Erstwhile comes from the Old English words ær (“early”) and hwīl (“while”). ... The adverb sense of erstwhile is now viewed as archaic, and the word is usually encountered as an adjective.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.