Until: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

until

 

[ ənˈtɪl ]

Preposition / Conjunction
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Preposition

time

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

Synonyms

before, till, up to

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "until" in other languages:

🇵🇹 até

🇮🇳 तक

🇩🇪 bis

🇮🇩 hingga

🇺🇦 до

🇵🇱 

🇯🇵 まで

🇫🇷 jusqu'à

🇪🇸 hasta

🇹🇷 kadar

🇰🇷 까지

🇸🇦 حتى

🇨🇿 do

🇸🇰 do

🇨🇳 直到

🇸🇮 do

🇮🇸 þangað til

🇰🇿 дейін

🇬🇪 მდე

🇦🇿 qədər

🇲🇽 hasta

Word origin

The word 'until' originated from Middle English, from Old Norse und (up to) and till (to). It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. Over time, the usage of 'until' has evolved to become a commonly used preposition and conjunction to denote time or events.

See also: till, tillage, tilled, tiller, tillers, tilling.

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.