today
today
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "today" is /təˈdeɪ/.
/tə/
/ˈdeɪ/
Word Form Variations
Noun: today (singular, referring to the current day)
Adverb: today (no comparative/superlative forms)
Adjective: today (used attributively, e.g., "today's news")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The present day; this current day and date.
Synonyms: this day, the present, now (in broader sense)
Antonyms: yesterday, tomorrow, past, future
Definition 2: The present age or era; the current time or period in history.
Synonyms: the present, the modern era, contemporary times, now, the present day
Antonyms: the past, antiquity, yesterday (figurative), tomorrow (figurative), history
Adverb
Definition 1: On or during this present day.
Synonyms: presently, currently, now (in the context of the current day)
Antonyms: yesterday, tomorrow, then (in the past or future)
Definition 2: In or during the present age or era.
Synonyms: nowadays, currently, presently, in modern times
Antonyms: in the past, historically, formerly, then (in the past)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to the current day or present time. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: current, present, contemporary, modern
Antonyms: past, yesterday's, tomorrow's, historical, archaic
Examples of Use
Books:
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." (Often attributed to Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda, 2008)
"The author's profound insights into human nature remain relevant even today, centuries after his death." (From a literary analysis or philosophical text)
"He began his diary entry with a simple, 'Another day has passed, and today brings new challenges.'" (Fictional example from a diary-style novel)
Newspapers:
"What's in the papers today? Top headlines from across Kenya." ("Daily Nation,’’)
"The latest economic indicators show a mixed picture for the market, with cautious optimism for today's trading." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Local leaders reiterated their commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing residents today." ("The Standard," )
Online Publications:
"Our top tech deals for today: Don't miss out on these limited-time offers!" (A promotional article on a tech deals website, e.g., TechRadar)
"Is the traditional office model still relevant today? Exploring remote work trends." (An article on a business or HR blog, e.g., Forbes.com)
"The ultimate guide to productivity: How to make the most of your today." (A self-improvement blog post, e.g., Lifehack.org)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." (Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, 1972) - This implies a decision that will impact the present and future, "today."
Television Series: "Welcome to our show, where we discuss the pressing issues of today." (A common opening for a news or talk show, e.g., Citizen TV's Daybreak)
Song Lyrics: "And all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday." (The Beatles, "Yesterday," 1965) - This contrasts "yesterday" with "today" (here to stay).
Video Games: "Your mission for today has been updated. Check your objectives." (In-game notification or briefing, e.g., Grand Theft Auto V)
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we break down the latest scientific discoveries shaping our future." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., Science Friday)
General Public Discourse:
"What are you doing today?" (A very common question)
"The weather is lovely today, perfect for a walk." (A casual observation)
"I have too much work today, I won't finish it all." (A common complaint)
"The youth of today are more socially conscious than ever." (A general statement about a generation)
"Is the game on today?" (A question about an event schedule)
10 Quotes Using Today
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." (Often attributed to Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda, 2008)
"What we think, we become." (Buddha) - This implicitly refers to the power of our thoughts "today" in shaping our future.
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." (Martin Luther King Jr.) - This refers to a decision made "today" to live by love.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." (Mahatma Gandhi) - This emphasizes the importance of actions "today."
"Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote) - Refers to the new opportunity each "today" brings.
"Do one thing every day that scares you." (Eleanor Roosevelt) - This calls for daily action, particularly "today."
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." (Benjamin Franklin)
"My commitment to public service remains as strong today as it was when I first entered politics." (Lesser-known, but common political rhetoric)
"You are what you do today, not what you say you'll do tomorrow." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote)
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Peter Drucker) - This highlights the active role of "today's" efforts in shaping what is to come.
Etymology
The word "today" is a very old and straightforward word in English, actually being a combination of two older words.
It comes from the Old English phrase tō dæge.
Tō: This is the Old English word for "to" (our modern "to"), often indicating a point in time or direction.
dæge: This is the dative case (used for indirect objects or showing direction/time) of the Old English word dæg, meaning "day" (our modern "day").
So, literally, tō dæge meant something like "on this day" or "at this day."
The first known use of "today" in English, with the meaning of "on the present day," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Over centuries, the two words fused together to become the single word "today" that we use now, but its meaning has remained incredibly consistent.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Today
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "today":
As of today: Starting from this day.
Tomorrow never comes: Implying that one should act now, not postpone. (Antithetical to "today")
Live for today: To focus on the present moment without worrying about the future.
Today's news, tomorrow's fish and chips paper: (British informal) Implying that current events or headlines quickly become irrelevant.
Not born yesterday: Not naive or easily fooled; wise to the ways of the world. (Implies knowing things that happened before "today")
A new leaf: To start over with improved behavior. (Implies a fresh start from "today")
Today is the day: Used to express determination that something significant will happen on the current day.
Yesterday's man/woman: Someone whose ideas or methods are outdated and no longer relevant. (Contrasting with "today's" relevance)
A day in the life: A description of a typical day for someone or something. (Focus on "today's" typicality)
Today's special: A particular dish or item offered only on the current day.
The here and now: The present moment; immediate reality. (Synonymous with "today")
To seize the day: To make the most of the present moment. (Synonymous with "live for today")
Current affairs: Matters of political or public interest. (Synonymous with "today's issues")
Past, present, and future: The three divisions of time. ("Today" is the present)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of today from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
