In the English language, there are many words that are used to refer to something that has already been mentioned. One such word is “aforementioned.” This word is commonly used in written and spoken English, especially in legal documents and academic writing. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “aforementioned” in detail.
Definitions
The word “aforementioned” is an adjective that is used to describe something that has been previously mentioned or referred to. It is often used to avoid repetition in writing or speaking. For example, if you are writing a report and have already mentioned a particular person, you can use the word “aforementioned” to refer to that person again without repeating their name.
Origin
The word “aforementioned” has its roots in the Middle English language. It is a combination of the words “afore” and “mentioned.” “Afore” means “before” or “earlier,” while “mentioned” means “referred to” or “spoken of.” The word “aforementioned” first appeared in the English language in the 15th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “aforementioned” means “previously mentioned or spoken of.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “mentioned previously.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “already mentioned or stated.”
Associations
The word “aforementioned” is often associated with legal documents and academic writing. It is commonly used in these contexts to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for “aforementioned,” including “aforesaid,” “aforenamed,” “previously mentioned,” and “aforecited.”
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for “aforementioned,” as it is a word used to avoid repetition. However, some antonyms that could be used in its place include “not mentioned,” “unmentioned,” and “previously unspoken of.”
The same root words
The word “aforementioned” is made up of two root words: “afore” and “mentioned.” Some other words that contain these same roots include “aforesight,” “aforetime,” and “mentionable.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word “aforementioned”:
- “The aforementioned study found that exercise can improve mental health.”
- “As stated in the aforementioned report, the company’s profits have been declining.”
- “I have already mentioned the aforementioned issue, so I won’t go into it again.”
- “The aforementioned changes to the policy will take effect next month.”
- “The committee discussed the aforementioned proposal at length before making a decision.”