Afterpast

/ˈæftərˌpæst/ adjective

Definition

Referring to something that has already gone by or happened previously; bygone or former.

Etymology

Compound of 'after' and 'past' (Old English pæst). This archaic English term combines temporal concepts to emphasize events that are doubly removed in time.

Kelly Says

This word is virtually extinct in modern English, but it shows how language can build complexity by combining simple time concepts—medieval writers used it to create subtle philosophical distinctions about the nature of history.

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