Until: meaning, definitions and examples

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until

[ənˈtɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

time

Up to (the point in time or the event mentioned).

Synonyms

before, till, up to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
until	Used to specify a point in time when something will stop happening. Common in both formal and informal contexts. She will work on the project until midnight. You can stay here until tomorrow morning.
up to	Used to indicate a limit of time or quantity. Common in both formal and informal contexts. The library is open up to 8 PM. You can invite up to 10 guests.
till	An informal variation of 'until'. Used in casual conversation and less formal writing. I'll wait here till you come back. We danced till dawn.
before	Used to indicate a time earlier than a specific point. Common in both formal and informal contexts. Finish your homework before dinner. She arrived at the meeting before anyone else.

Examples of usage

I waited until six o'clock.
We won't know the results until tomorrow.

^{Context #2 | Conjunction}

time

Before (a particular time or event).

Synonyms

before, prior to, till.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
until	Used to indicate when something will continue up to a certain point in time. Common in both formal and informal contexts. I will wait here until you come back. She worked until midnight to finish the project.
before	Used to describe an event or time that happens earlier than another event or time. Suitable for all types of contexts. We need to finish this task before lunch. He had never seen the movie before yesterday.
prior to	A more formal way of saying 'before,' often used in written and official documents. All documents should be submitted prior to the deadline. There was a meeting prior to the conference.
till	An informal and often colloquial alternative to 'until'. Commonly used in everyday conversation. Wait here till I get back. We talked till late at night.

Examples of usage

I can't leave until you arrive.
He didn't eat until he was hungry.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'until' comes from the Old English 'untill', which means 'up to'.
It originally combined the elements 'un-' (not) and 'till', which meant 'to' or 'up to'.
In Middle English, the form 'til' became popular, showing its evolution into modern usage.

Grammar

'Until' is often used as a preposition or conjunction that connects clauses, showing a time relationship.
'Until' can also signal a negative consequence, as in 'don’t go until I get back.'
In contrast to 'while', which indicates something happening simultaneously, 'until' marks a point of change.

Literature

In classic literature, authors often use 'until' to create suspense, leading readers to anticipate what will happen next.
Shakespeare frequently employed 'until' in his works to emphasize the conditions or limits of actions and events.
Contemporary poetry uses 'until' to explore themes of time, change, and longing.

Cultural References

'Until' has been used in popular songs, emphasizing themes of waiting and longing, such as in titles of love songs.
Movies often employ scenarios that revolve around 'until' moments, such as waiting for a reunion or the resolution of a conflict.
'Until dawn' or 'until the end' are common phrases in various cultures, denoting determination or commitment.

Translations

Translations of the word "until" in other languages:

🇵🇹 até

🇮🇳 तक

🇩🇪 bis

🇮🇩 hingga

sampai
sampai dengan

🇺🇦 до

🇵🇱 aż

do
dopóki

🇯🇵 まで

🇫🇷 jusqu'à

🇪🇸 hasta

🇹🇷 kadar

-e kadar
kadar ki

🇰🇷 까지

🇸🇦 حتى

🇨🇿 do

🇸🇰 do

kým
pokým

🇨🇳 直到

🇸🇮 do

🇮🇸 þangað til

🇰🇿 дейін

шейін
дейінгі

🇬🇪 მდე

🇦🇿 qədər

🇲🇽 hasta

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #171, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

...
168 service
169 possible
170 children
171 until
172 question
173 whether
174 course
...