Yesterday

Definition

Yesterday refers to the day before the present day. It can also symbolize the recent past or events that occurred in the past.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈjɛs.tɚ.deɪ/
• Respelling: YES-ter-day

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈjɛs.tə.deɪ/
• Respelling: YES-tuh-day

Etymology

The word "yesterday" originates from Old English "gēostran dæg," meaning "day before today." It combines "gēostran" (yesterday) from Proto-Germanic "*gistraz" and "dæg" (day). Related forms exist in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "gestern" and Gothic "gistradagis."

Derivatives

• Yesterday’s (adjective)
• Yesteryear (noun)
• Yester (prefix, archaic)
• Yesterweek (noun, rare)
• Yestermonth (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Past
• Bygone
• Last day

Antonyms

• Tomorrow
• Future
• Today

Usage

The term "yesterday" is commonly used to refer to events from the day before. As an adverb: "I saw her yesterday." As a noun: "Yesterday was a busy day." It can also symbolize the past, e.g., "The traditions of yesterday still hold value."

Related Terms

• Today: The present day.
• Tomorrow: The day after the present day.
• Past: The time before now.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• On the day before today: Refers to actions or events that occurred one day earlier.
  • Example: "We met for lunch yesterday."

Noun

• The day before today: Refers to the specific day prior to the current one.
  • Example: "Yesterday was sunny and warm."
• The recent past: Symbolizes past events or a previous era.
  • Example: "The technology of yesterday seems outdated now."