Today Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📅
today
[təˈdeɪ ]
Definitions
date
The present day; this day.
Synonyms
the current day, the present day, this day.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| today |
Used in informal contexts or daily conversation to refer to the current day.
|
| this day |
Used to refer to a specific day in formal or ceremonial contexts, sometimes historical or significant.
|
| the present day |
Used in formal or academic contexts to talk about the contemporary period of time, often in comparison to the past.
|
| the current day |
Used in formal or written contexts to emphasize the specific nature of the day.
|
Examples of usage
- I will do it today.
- Today is a special day for us.
time
On or in the course of this present day.
Synonyms
at the moment, currently, now.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| today |
Used when referring to the current day as a whole.
|
| now |
Used to indicate something happening at this exact point in time, often in casual or immediate contexts.
|
| currently |
Used to describe ongoing actions or situations, often in more formal contexts or written communication.
|
| at the moment |
Used to describe something happening right now, often implying temporariness.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to finish this task today.
- Today is the deadline for submission.
history
The period of time that is happening now; the current period in history.
Synonyms
modern times, the current era, the present time.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| today |
Used when referring specifically to the date of the present day.
|
| the present time |
Used when referring broadly to the period including today and the near future, without specifying a particular date.
|
| the current era |
Used when placing emphasis on the current historical period, often with a sense of its uniqueness or to distinguish it from previous eras.
|
| modern times |
Used when discussing the characteristics, trends, or developments of the recent past and present, often in contrast to the past.
|
Examples of usage
- Today marks a new chapter in our history.
- What we do today will shape the future.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures have rituals or festivals that celebrate the present day, emphasizing living in the moment.
- In some cultures, greeting someone with 'Good morning' signifies the start of a new day and is an important social custom.
Psychology
- Research shows that focusing on 'today' can reduce stress and anxiety, as it encourages mindfulness.
- The concept of 'living in the present' has been associated with increased happiness and well-being.
Business
- In project management, 'today' often serves as the deadline for daily tasks, influencing productivity.
- Companies frequently hold 'today meetings' to assess progress on projects on a daily basis.
Literature
- The theme of 'today' often appears in poetry and stories as a reminder to appreciate each moment.
- Writers like Virginia Woolf emphasized the significance of 'today' in understanding human experiences and emotions.
Origin of 'today'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'today' comes from Old English 'tōdāig,' which literally means 'on this day.'
- It originally combined 'to' (meaning at or to) and 'dæg' (meaning day), reflecting a specific focus on the current day.
The word 'today' originated from the Old English word 'todæge', which is a combination of 'to' meaning 'this' and 'dæg' meaning 'day'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to the current day or time. 'Today' is a common and essential word used in everyday language to denote the present moment or the date on which something is happening.
See also: daily, day, daybed, daybreak, daylight, daypack, daystar, daytime, nowadays, yesterday.