English pronunciation · Words Starting with E
Erstwhile Pronunciation
Erstwhile is pronounced URS-twyl, IPA /ˈɝsˌtwaɪl/.
URS-twyl
US /ˈɝsˌtwaɪl/ · UK /ˈɜːstwaɪl/
Syllables: URS · twyl (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective: Former, used before a noun to mark something that used to be the case.
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Erstwhile in a Sentence
- Her erstwhile business partner now runs a rival firm.
- The erstwhile capital is today a quiet market town.
- He ran into an erstwhile colleague at the airport.
Common Mispronunciations of Erstwhile
Not urst-WYL
Only the opening beat is loud, and the back half drops away to a quick twyl.
Not URST-wee-luh
The ending is the word while, a single beat with a long y, so nothing follows the l.
Tip: Erst is an old word for once, which is why an erstwhile friend is a once-upon-a-time friend.
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