Yesterday: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday conversation and writing to refer to the day before the current day.

• I finished the book yesterday

More formal or descriptive way to refer to yesterday, often used in written or spoken contexts requiring clarity or emphasis.

• We had a meeting the day before today to discuss the project

Often used in a narrative or reporting context to refer to the day before the current day, helpful for clarity in timelines.

• She felt happy the previous day, but today she was sad

Less common, slightly archaic, and more poetic or literary expression to refer to yesterday.

• In the day past, everything seemed different

Commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to refer to the day before today.

• I went to the park yesterday.
• Yesterday was a very busy day.

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It implies a reference to a timeline, often in stories, reports, or schedules.

• She mentioned that it rained on the previous day.
• In his speech, he referenced something that happened on the previous day.

Quite formal and rarely used in modern English. It might be found in literature or historical contexts.

• In the writings of the day past, the scholars often debated various philosophies.
• We remember the events of the day past with great fondness.

More formal and less common. It might be used in certain official documents or more detailed descriptions.

• In the report, we noted that the issue was resolved the day before today.
• She submitted her assignment the day before today.