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whilom

adverb
whi·​lom | \ ˈhwÄ«-lÉ™m How to pronounce whilom (audio) , ˈwÄ«-\

Definition of whilom

 (Entry 1 of 2)

archaic
: formerly

whilom

adjective

Definition of whilom (Entry 2 of 2)

: former
Synonyms Take the Time to Learn About Whilom Example Sentences Learn More about whilom

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Synonyms for whilom

Synonyms: Adjective

erstwhile, former, late, old, once, onetime, other, past, quondam, sometime

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Take the Time to Learn About Whilom

Adjective

Whilom shares an ancestor with the word while. Both trace back to the Old English word hwil, meaning "time" or "while." In Old English hwilum was an adverb meaning "at times." This use passed into Middle English (with a variety of spellings, one of which was whilom), and in the 12th century the word acquired the meaning "formerly." The adverb's usage dwindled toward the end of the 19th century, and it has since been labeled archaic. The adjective first appeared on the scene in the 15th century, with the now-obsolete meaning "deceased," and by the 19th century it was being used with the meaning "former." It's a relatively uncommon word, but it does see occasional use.

Examples of whilom in a Sentence

Adjective

 pointedly ignored the whilom friends who had turned on her

First Known Use of whilom

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for whilom

Adverb

Middle English, literally, at times, from Old English hwīlum, dative plural of hwīl time, while

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with whilom

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whilom

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