Forementioned vs. Aforementioned — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
The term "forementioned" is a rarely used variant of "aforementioned," which both refer to something that has been mentioned before.
Difference Between Forementioned and Aforementioned
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term forementioned is an uncommon and somewhat archaic form that refers to something mentioned before in a document or conversation. It is rarely used in modern English, overshadowed by the more standard term aforementioned. Both words serve a similar function in referring back to previously mentioned elements, but aforementioned is the term you are likely to encounter in contemporary writing.
Aforementioned is the standard term used in legal documents, academic writing, and formal contexts to refer to subjects that have been previously mentioned. It is considered part of the current, formal English lexicon. Forementioned might occasionally appear in older texts or in an attempt to mimic archaic language for stylistic purposes, but it is not widely recognized as a standard word today.
In usage, aforementioned can precede a noun as an adjective, identifying a specific item or items previously discussed. While forementioned could theoretically serve the same function, it might be considered a stylistic or typographic error in modern writing because it is so rarely used. Aforementioned is recognized and understood by most English speakers, reinforcing its preferred status over forementioned.
Both forementioned and aforementioned derive from the same linguistic construction, with "afore" and "fore" meaning "before" and "mentioned" referring to something already talked about or written. The prefix "a-" in aforementioned is a relic of Old English, used to intensify the meaning. Over time, "aforementioned" has become the standard form, while forementioned has largely fallen out of use.
Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Rarely used
Commonly used
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Context
Archaic or stylistic choice
Formal and academic
Recognition
May not be recognized
Widely recognized
Prevalence in Texts
Found in older texts
Found in contemporary texts
Lexical Standard
Not standard
Standard
Compare with Definitions
Forementioned
Referring to something mentioned earlier.
The forementioned chapters outline the theory in detail.
Aforementioned
Commonly used to reference earlier content.
As per the aforementioned agreement, the parties must arbitrate.
Forementioned
A less common form of aforementioned.
In the forementioned article, the author disagrees.
Aforementioned
Denoting subjects already covered.
The aforementioned author has several publications.
Forementioned
Preceding in mention or writing.
He failed to clarify the forementioned arguments.
Aforementioned
Refers to something mentioned previously in the text.
The aforementioned studies support our hypothesis.
Forementioned
Used to specify something previously discussed.
The forementioned terms are essential to the contract.
Aforementioned
Preceding and specified earlier in discourse.
The aforementioned results were unexpected but significant.
Forementioned
Indicating prior mention in text.
This conclusion relates to the forementioned hypothesis.
Aforementioned
Denoting a thing or person previously mentioned
Songs from the aforementioned album
Forementioned
Alternative form of aforementioned
Aforementioned
Mentioned previously.
Forementioned
Mentioned before; already cited; aforementioned.
Aforementioned
The one or ones mentioned previously.
Aforementioned
Previously mentioned.
It wasn't until later that we realized that the aforementioned caller and this taciturn man were the same person.
Aforementioned
(uncountable) The one or ones mentioned previously.
The judge read a list of prisoners' names. She then indicated that the aforementioned were to be set free.
Aforementioned
Previously mentioned; before-mentioned.
Aforementioned
Being the one previously mentioned or spoken of;
Works of all the aforementioned authors
Said party has denied the charges
Aforementioned
Used before a noun to describe previously mentioned items.
The benefits of the aforementioned product are numerous.
Common Curiosities
Is 'aforementioned' still relevant in writing?
Yes, aforementioned is widely used in formal writing to refer to previously mentioned items.
Is 'forementioned' considered correct English?
Forementioned is technically correct but archaic and not commonly used.
Why is 'aforementioned' preferred over 'forementioned'?
Aforementioned is the conventional term recognized in modern English usage.
Does 'forementioned' imply a time sequence?
Yes, it implies that something was mentioned earlier in time.
What does 'forementioned' mean?
Forementioned refers to something that has been mentioned before, but it is an uncommon variant.
Can 'forementioned' and 'aforementioned' be used interchangeably?
While they can be used interchangeably, forementioned is rare and may not be widely understood.
Where is 'aforementioned' most commonly found?
Aforementioned is often found in academic, legal, and professional documents.
How do I use 'aforementioned' in a sentence?
"The aforementioned evidence clearly points to a conclusive argument."
Can 'forementioned' be used in academic writing?
It's not recommended; aforementioned is the preferred term in academic writing.
Does 'aforementioned' have synonyms?
Yes, words like "preceding," "aforesaid," and "above-mentioned" serve similar functions.
How often is 'forementioned' used in modern language?
Very infrequently; it's considered outdated.
Are 'forementioned' and 'aforementioned' formal?
Aforementioned is formal; forementioned is rarely used to gauge formality.
Is 'forementioned' a typo?
It could be seen as a typo today given the prevalence of aforementioned.
Are there contexts where 'forementioned' is more appropriate?
Forementioned might be used for stylistic purposes to mimic archaic speech or writing.
What part of speech is 'aforementioned'?
Aforementioned is an adjective.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
