This is the 5322nd most frequent French word.
autrefois
Formerly; in the past.
Used to refer to a time in the past, indicating 'once' or 'formerly'.
Autrefois, ce château était habité par une famille noble.
Once, this castle was inhabited by a noble family.
Referring to past actions or customs, highlighting a nostalgic or memorable aspect.
Je me souviens des récits que mon grand-père racontait autrefois.
I remember the stories my grandfather used to tell in the past.
Used to compare the past with the present, showing how past trends can re-emerge.