erst

[ɜːst]

erst Definition

• 1. formerly; in the past
• 2. at first; at the beginning

Using erst: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "erst" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Erstwhile allies have become enemies.

• Example

  Erst, I didn't like him, but now we're good friends.

• Example

  Erst, I thought it was a good idea, but now I'm not so sure.

erst Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for erst

• formerly
• previously
• once
• heretofore

Phrases with erst

• erstwhile

  former; of an earlier time

  Example

  The erstwhile champion was defeated in the first round.

• erstwhile friend

  a person who used to be a close friend but is no longer

  Example

  He was my erstwhile friend, but we had a falling out.

• erstwhile lover

  a person who used to be a romantic partner but is no longer

  Example

  She ran into her erstwhile lover at the grocery store.

Origins of erst

from Old English 'ǣrest', meaning 'first'

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Summary: erst in Brief

'Erst' [ɜːst] means 'formerly' or 'in the past,' and can also mean 'at first' or 'at the beginning.' It's often used in phrases like 'erstwhile' to describe something that was formerly true, and 'erstwhile friend' to describe someone who used to be a close friend. 'Erst' is a formal word that can be replaced with 'formerly' or 'previously.'