How to Pronounce Erstwhile

To pronounce "erstwhile", say ERSTWH-il-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈɜː(ɹ)st.waɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

erstwhile

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈɜː(ɹ)st.waɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “erstwhile”

"erstwhile" has 3 syllables: erstwh-il-e. It rhymes with reconcile and vile, if that helps it stick.

What does erstwhile mean?

adjective

  1. Former, previous.
  2. Respected, honourable.

adverb

  1. Formerly; in the past.

Synonyms

formeronceonetimepreviousquondamerewhile

Hear “erstwhile” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with erstwhile

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reconcilevilebeguileversatilejuvenilesenilehostilepileaislesmilerevilefile

Related words

quondamformerpastsometimeonetimeonceformerlyearlier

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "erstwhile"?▾

"Erstwhile" has 3 syllables: erstwh · il · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "erstwhile"?▾

The IPA transcription of "erstwhile" is /ˈɜː(ɹ)st.waɪl/.

What does "erstwhile" mean?▾

Erstwhile: Former, previous.

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