naguère

formerly, not long ago

adverb nah-GHAIR Rare

Origin: Old French naguères, from 'n'a guères' meaning 'not long ago'

Usage Note

Naguère is a literary and somewhat archaic adverb meaning 'in the recent past' or 'formerly'. It should not be confused with jadis (long ago) — naguère implies a relatively recent past. It appears mainly in elevated prose and poetry rather than everyday speech.

Examples

"Naguère, ce quartier était paisible."

Natural Translation

Formerly, this neighbourhood was peaceful.

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