QUONDAM
adjective, former, sometime
A quondam classics geek, Hart's real appreciation for the pagan authors of antiquity is obvious on every page.
Looking for an unusual and creative way to say "former"? "Quondam" (which came to English in the 16th century from Latin quondam, meaning "at one time" or "formerly") certainly fits the bill. Or maybe you'd prefer one of its synonyms: "whilom" "ci-devant," or "preterit." Or you could really go crazy with "umpuhile," a word that is extremely rare even in its more natural Scots English setting. "Quondam" itself isn't exactly ubiquitous, but it's used more than any of the other words above. If you're looking for something a bit more pedestrian, you might try yet another synonym: "erstwhile." Despite its wonderfully archaic flavour, "erstwhile" is a highly favoured alternative.
hugs always
karen charlie and enzo
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