Until

Definition

Until is a preposition and conjunction used to indicate the time or event up to which something happens or continues.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition
• Conjunction

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnˈtɪl/, /ənˈtɪl/
• Respelling: un-TIL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnˈtɪl/, /ənˈtɪl/
• Respelling: un-TIL

Etymology

The word "until" originates from Middle English "untill," a combination of "un-" (up to) and "till," which derives from Old Norse "til" (to, towards). It has been used in English since the 14th century to denote time or extent.

Derivatives

• Till (alternative form)
• Untilled (adjective, archaic)
• Untilled (adjective, rarely used)
• Untiling (obsolete, gerund-like form)
• Untilness (rare, abstract noun form)

Synonyms

• Till
• Up to
• To the point of

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "until" is used to denote the time or event before a specific point, as in "I will wait until she arrives." It is also used in conditional contexts, as in "You cannot leave until the work is done."

Related Terms

• Till: A synonym for "until," often used interchangeably.
• Before: A preposition denoting earlier time.
• Up to: Indicating extent or limit.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• Up to the point in time or event: Indicates the duration leading to a specified time or condition.
  • Example: "She worked until midnight."

Conjunction

• Before a specified time or condition is met: Connects clauses to express the time up to which an action continues.
  • Example: "Wait here until I return."