Erstwhile

Meaning

Former; relating to what someone or something was at a previous time.

Origin / Etymology

Old English ær (before, formerly) + while (time), a compound meaning 'at a former time'

Synonyms

Former Previous Past

Antonyms

Current Present Contemporary

Example Sentence

"The erstwhile princely states of Hyderabad, Travancore, and Bhopal were integrated into the Indian Union through the Instrument of Accession under the diplomatic leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS1 Modern History and Post-Independence India answers when referring to colonial-era entities, former rulers, or pre-constitutional institutions. Also effective in GS2 when contrasting the erstwhile planning commission with the current NITI Aayog.

Relevant Subjects