The phrase "ere now" is often used to indicate urgency or impatience. The spelling of this phrase is quite straightforward, with "ere" being spelled as /ɛr/ and "now" as /naʊ/. The phonetic transcription of "ere" reflects the two-syllable pronunciation of the word, with the stress placed on the first syllable. This stress placement is important for distinguishing "ere" from "here", which has a different meaning altogether. "Now" is pronounced with a diphthong, with the vowel sound moving from /a/ to /ʊ/.
"Ere now" is a phrase that originates from Old English and is used to refer to a period of time that has occurred prior to the current moment. It combines the archaic word "ere," meaning "before," with the adverb "now," which denotes the present time. Together, they create a temporal expression that suggests something has happened before the present moment.
The term "ere now" is often employed in literature and poetic works to evoke a sense of antiquity or the passage of time. It conveys a nostalgic tone and can enhance the descriptive qualities of a text by highlighting past events or highlighting the progression of history.
The phrase "ere now" is used to emphasize that an action, occurrence, or state has taken place or existed prior to the immediate moment. It serves to set the context or background for a particular event or situation, revealing the passage of time and contributing to the overall narrative or theme.
In contemporary usage, "ere now" is rarely utilized, as it sounds archaic and has been largely replaced by more modern expressions such as "previously" or "before now." However, it can still be encountered in older literary works, particularly those written in a poetic or classical style.
In conclusion, "ere now" is an archaic phrase that signifies events or circumstances that occurred prior to the current moment. It adds a nostalgic and historical quality to texts, although its usage has become uncommon in modern language.
Before this time.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The phrase "ere now" is derived from Middle English and Old English.
"Ere" comes from Middle English "er", which ultimately originated from Old English "ǣr". In Old English, "ǣr" meant "before" or "earlier". It is related to the Old High German word "ēr" and the Gothic word "air".
"Now" is derived from Middle English "now" and Old English "nū". The Old English "nū" had the same meaning as "now", indicating the present moment. It is related to the Old Frisian word "nu", the Old Saxon word "nu", and the Old Norse word "nū".
When combined, "ere" and "now" create the meaning of "before this or now" or "earlier than the present time".