addietro

previously

adverb ahd-DYET-roh Rare

Origin: From Latin ad + dietro (behind).

Also means

before; in the past

Usage Note

Addietro is a literary or formal adverb meaning 'before' or 'in times past': tempo addietro (some time ago), anni addietro (years back). In modern everyday Italian it is largely replaced by prima or in passato; its use lends a slightly archaic or elevated tone.

Examples

"Anni addietro quel palazzo era una scuola."

Natural Translation

Years ago that building was a school.

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