erstwhile
formerly or previously, but no longer, of a specified kind
Word origin: From Old English aerest, earliest, plus while.
Erstwhile in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing erstwhile in a sentence.
The erstwhile allies found themselves on opposite sides of the negotiating table.
The treaty turned two erstwhile rivals into reluctant but enduring allies.
Using “erstwhile” well
Erstwhile means former, describing something that once was but no longer is. It is a formal, slightly literary synonym for previous and modifies a noun directly.
More GRE words starting with E
to gradually decline, recede, or diminish
overflowing enthusiasm and liveliness
the quality of overflowing, bubbling enthusiasm
overflowing with cheerful enthusiasm and high spirits
deviating from conventional or accepted behavior in odd ways
a level or rank within an organization, profession, or society
drawing from a wide and diverse range of sources or styles
to deprive of importance or overshadow by being superior
Questions about “erstwhile”
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