Till

Definition

Till can function as a conjunction meaning "up to the time of," as a verb meaning "to prepare soil for planting," or as a noun referring to a cash register or a glacial deposit.

Parts of Speech

• Conjunction
• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɪl/
• Respelling: TIL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɪl/
• Respelling: TIL

Etymology

The word "till" originates from Old English "til," meaning "to or until," and Old Norse "til," meaning "to or towards." Its verb sense, related to agriculture, comes from Old English "tilian," meaning "to strive for or cultivate."

Derivatives

• Tilled (verb, past tense)
• Tilling (verb, present participle)
• Untilled (adjective)
• Tillable (adjective)
• Tiller (noun, farming implement)

Synonyms

• Conjunction: Until
• Verb: Cultivate
• Noun: Register

Antonyms

• Conjunction: Since
• Verb: Neglect
• Noun: None

Usage

The conjunction "till" is synonymous with "until," as in "Wait till the morning." The verb "till" refers to preparing soil for agriculture: "Farmers till the land before planting." As a noun, "till" can refer to a cash register or a glacial deposit: "The clerk counted the money in the till."

Related Terms

• Until: A more formal synonym of "till."
• Plow: A related farming term for preparing soil.
• Register: A cash register, synonymous with "till" in retail contexts.

Detailed Definitions

Conjunction

• Up to the time of: Indicates the point in time before something happens.
  • Example: "Stay here till the rain stops."

Verb

• To prepare soil for planting: Refers to the act of turning or cultivating soil for agricultural purposes.
  • Example: "The farmer tills the fields every spring."

Noun

• A cash register or drawer for money: Refers to the storage or counting area for currency in retail settings.
  • Example: "She opened the till to give change."
• Glacial drift consisting of mixed deposits: Describes sediment deposited by glaciers.
  • Example: "The valley was covered in glacial till."