weiland
Translation
formerly, once, erstwhile, in former times
Examples
Der weiland berühmte Dichter ist heute vergessen.
The formerly famous poet is forgotten today.
Hier stand weiland eine prächtige Burg.
A magnificent castle once stood here.
Grammar Patterns
((adverb)) as a temporal adverb describing a past time Hier stand weiland eine prächtige Burg.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ehemals, einst, früher (formerly, once); Antonyms: jetzt, heute (now, today)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'wīlent', a form of 'wīle' meaning 'time, while'. It's related to the English word 'while'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'while-land', a land from a 'while' ago. It has a poetic, old-fashioned feel, used for things in the past.