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
Derived from Middle High German 'wīlent', from 'wīle' ('time, while'). Cognate with the English word 'while'.
Memory Tips
Imagine it as 'while-land,' referring to a time from a long 'while' ago. It's an archaic word, often found in literature.