How to pronounce erstwhile
Say it like URS-twyle. Erstwhile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (URS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce erstwhile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- URS
- twyle
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Erstwhile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- twyleKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of erstwhile
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: URS-twyle.
What does erstwhile mean?
- Former, previous.
- Respected, honorable.
- Formerly; in the past.
Where does erstwhile come from?
From erst (“first, formerly”) + while.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying erstwhile
How do you pronounce erstwhile?
Say URS-twyle. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝstwaɪl/. In British English it is /ˈɜːstwaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in erstwhile?
Erstwhile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (URS). Broken into parts: URS · twyle.
Is erstwhile pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɜːstwaɪl/ (URS-twyle).