Pronunciation: [wˈɪləm] (IPA) 
Whilom is an archaic word that means formerly or previously. It is pronounced as /ˈwaɪləm/. The first syllable "whi-" is pronounced the same way as "why" and "while". The second syllable "-lom" is pronounced as "lum". The word "whilom" is rarely used in modern English but can be found in literature from the early 19th century and earlier. Its spelling is unique and can be confusing to those unfamiliar with its pronunciation.
Whilom is an archaic adverb that can be traced back to Middle English. It is commonly used to describe something that once existed or occurred, but no longer does. The word "whilom" is often employed to convey a sense of the past, a former time, or a previous state of being.
Derived from the Old English term "hwīlum," meaning "formerly" or "at times," "whilom" encapsulates the idea of something that is now in the past but was once present or active. It can refer to aspects of both personal and broader history, such as a whilom lover, a whilom king, or a whilom practice.
This word carries a nostalgic connotation, as it evokes a sense of longing or wistfulness for a bygone era. It implies a certain fondness or remembrance of what once was, emphasizing the passage of time and the transitory nature of existence.
One might use "whilom" to describe a whilom friend, indicating a person who was once a close companion but is no longer so. Similarly, it could refer to a whilom tradition, such as a holiday celebration or cultural practice that has faded away with time.
Overall, "whilom" serves as a linguistic tool to evoke the past and to emphasize the changes and impermanence inherent in the fabric of life.
The word whilom originated from the Old English phrase hwílum or hwílon, which meant at times or once. This phrase was derived from the Old English noun hwíl meaning a while or a period of time. Over time, the phrase hwílum evolved into the Middle English word whilom, retaining its meaning of once or formerly. The h sound at the beginning of hwílum gradually changed to a w sound, leading to the modern form whilom.
