onetime
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Former, previous; having existed, held a position, or been true at a past time. It describes something or someone that was the case in the past but is no longer so.
Usage
The adjective "onetime" is used attributively (before a noun) to specify that the noun it modifies refers to a past status, occupation, or condition. It is synonymous with "former" or "ex-."
Examples
- He is an onetime champion, having won the title ten years ago.
- The building, now a museum, served as the onetime headquarters of the company.
- She introduced her onetime professor, who had greatly influenced her career.
Advanced Usage
- "Onetime" vs. "One-time": The hyphenated form "one-time" can have a distinct meaning, often referring to something that happens or is done only once (e.g., a one-time payment). However, "onetime" (as a single word) almost exclusively means "former." Context usually clarifies the intended meaning.
- The onetime actor now runs a restaurant. (Former actor)
- We made a one-time exception to the rule. (Single-occurrence exception)
Variants and Related Words
- One-time (adj., hyphenated): Occurring, done, or made only once.
- A one-time offer.
- Former (adj.): Having previously been a particular thing.
- A former president.
- Erstwhile (adj., formal): Former.
- His erstwhile colleagues.
- Quondam (adj., literary): That once was; former.
- Her quondam friend.
Synonyms
- Former
- Previous
- Erstwhile (formal)
- Quondam (literary)
- Ex- (as a prefix, e.g., ex-president)
- Late (in some contexts, e.g., the late capital)
Antonyms
- Current
- Present
- Future
Adjective
- belonging to some prior time
- erstwhile friend
- our former glory
- the once capital of the state
- her quondam lover