Aforetime

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a time that has elapsed prior to the current moment, indicating a historical or ancient phase of existence
2. Referring to a period that occurred before the present, often evoking nostalgia or reflection on bygone days
3. At a time earlier than the present, often suggesting a past era or condition

Etymology: "Aforetime" is a simple compound, built from the adverb "afore" (meaning "before" or "previously") and the noun "time." In Middle English, writers joined these into a single phrase, "a fore tyme," which then took many spellings as scribes wrote it in different ways, from "afore tyme" to "afortymez." The word therefore describes nothing more than a stretch of time that lies before the present moment. Its meaning has stayed almost unchanged since it was formed, so the interest lies in the grammar of the parts rather than any drift in sense. "Afore" itself is the older form of "before," and it survives mainly in compounds like this one and in "aforesaid" and "aforementioned," which are also used in formal or legal writing. "Aforetime" has a somewhat literary flavour today, which is part of why it can sound quaint compared with its close synonym "formerly."

Synonyms: formerly, previously, before, earlier, in the past

Antonyms: now, currently, presently