ere
AIR
/ɛər/
Before (in time).
Almost exclusively used in poetry to maintain a specific rhythm or meter.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English 'ær,' meaning 'early' or 'soon.' It is the root of the modern word 'early.'
Word relationships
- before: 'Before' is the universal modern term.
- after: The temporal opposite.
Commonly confused with
- err: 'Err' means to make a mistake; 'ere' means before.
- heir: 'Heir' is someone who inherits; 'ere' means before.
Word family
- erstwhile (adjective): Former; in the past.
Collocations
- ere long
- ere now
Example sentences
- "Able was I ere I saw Elba." A famous palindrome about Napoleon.
Memory hook
Ere is 'ear'lier. Ere = Earlier than.
When not to use
Do not use in prose unless you are writing a fantasy novel or a period piece.
Fun facts
- The word 'early' is actually the comparative form of 'ere' (ere-ly).
Related words
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