French word

autrefois

Pronunciation

IPA/otʁəfwa/

Meaning

  • adverbin the past

Example

Autrefois, les rues étaient plus calmes.

In the past, the streets were quieter.

Illustration for autrefois (in the past)

More examples

Mes grands-parents vivaient autrefois à la campagne.

My grandparents used to live in the countryside.

Core concept

A remembered former world whose customs or conditions have since disappeared or changed.

Common phrases

  • autrefois il y avait

    there used to be

  • autrefois on disait

    It was once said

  • comme autrefois

    as in the past

Similar words

avant: At an earlier time than a specified point, in everyday speech.
auparavant: At an earlier time or in a previous situation, often used in writing.

Definition in French

Autrefois signifie qu'une chose existait dans le passé, à une époque révolue, et s'emploie pour évoquer des habitudes ou des états qui ne sont plus vrais aujourd'hui.

Word origin

Autrefois is a lexicalized form of the French elements autre and fois, which together originally meant 'another time'.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English 'once', autrefois normally refers to a former period or recurring past situation rather than a single past event.

Opposites

Word lists with this word