tonight
tonight
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tonight" is /təˈnaɪt/.
/tə/
/ˈnaɪt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: tonight (singular, referring to the current night)
Adverb: tonight (no comparative/superlative forms)
Adjective: tonight (used attributively, e.g., "tonight's news")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The evening or night of the present day.
Synonyms: this evening, this night
Antonyms: yesterday evening, last night, tomorrow night
Definition 2: The current period or era, emphasizing the present time.
Synonyms: the present, the current moment, now
Antonyms: the past, the future, yesteryear, tomorrow
Adverb
Definition 1: On or during the evening or night of the present day.
Synonyms: this evening, this night
Antonyms: yesterday evening, last night, tomorrow night
Definition 2: In or during the current time or period.
Synonyms: currently, presently, now, at present
Antonyms: previously, in the past, in the future
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to the current evening or night. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: current evening's, this evening's
Antonyms: yesterday evening's, last night's, tomorrow night's
Examples of Use
Books:
"The dark secrets of the old house would finally be revealed tonight, under the eerie glow of the full moon." (Fictional example from a mystery or gothic novel)
"She reviewed her notes one last time, knowing her performance tonight could make or break her career." (Fictional example from a novel about ambition or a performing artist)
"The book details the astrological predictions for tonight's celestial alignment and its potential impact." (From a non-fiction book on astrology or astronomy)
Newspapers:
"President Ruto is scheduled to address the nation tonight on the new economic reforms." ("Daily Nation,")
"The weather forecast for Nairobi tonight predicts clear skies and cool temperatures." ("The Standard,")
"The much-anticipated boxing match is set for tonight, with fans eager to see the heavyweight showdown." ("Sports News,")
Online Publications:
"What to stream tonight: Our top picks for movies and TV shows to watch on Netflix." (An article on an entertainment website, e.g., Rotten Tomatoes,)
"Join our live webinar tonight at 8 PM EAT for expert advice on financial planning." (A promotional announcement on a finance website, e.g., Investopedia.com)
"The latest tech news: What's making headlines tonight in the world of innovation." (A tech news aggregation site, e.g., TechCrunch,)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Are you free tonight?" (Common dialogue in a romantic film, inviting someone out)
Television Series: "Previously on 'The Blacklist': Reddington's next target will be revealed tonight." (Narration at the beginning of an episode)
Song Lyrics: "Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night, for tonight's the night I give my love to you." (From West Side Story's "Tonight," 1957)
Video Games: "Your character has a special mission available only tonight. Don't miss it!" (In-game event notification, e.g., Fortnite)
Podcasts: "Stick around, because tonight we're exploring the mysteries of ancient civilizations." (A podcast host's introduction to a segment, e.g., Lore)
General Public Discourse:
"What are your plans for tonight?" (A common question among friends)
"I'm going to cook a special dinner tonight." (A casual statement about plans)
"The concert tonight was amazing, the band was incredible!" (A comment after an event)
"I can't believe I have to work late again tonight." (A common complaint)
"Will you be home early tonight?" (A question from a family member)
10 Quotes Using Tonight
"Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night, for tonight's the night I give my love to you." (Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story, 1957)
"Are you lonesome tonight, do you miss me tonight?" (Roy Turk and Lou Handman, popularized by Elvis Presley, 1960)
"The lion sleeps tonight." (Song title, popularized by The Tokens, 1961)
"Come on, people, now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now." (The Youngbloods, "Get Together," 1967) - This contains "tonight" implicitly in the call for immediate unity, though not the word itself.
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." (Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, 1939) - This iconic line implies a definitive end to a day's drama, looking forward to the resolution "tonight."
"Tonight's the night, and it's going to be a good one." (Common celebratory phrase, widely used)
"I could have danced all night, and still have begged for more. I could have spread my wings and done a million things I've never done before." (Alan Jay Lerner, My Fair Lady, 1956) - This speaks of the magic of a specific evening, similar to "tonight."
"Tonight, we dine in hell!" (Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in 300, 2007)
"Tonight, on a very special episode..." (Common television show trope for a significant installment)
"The stars shine brighter tonight." (Original quote, often used poetically for a special evening)
Etymology
The word "tonight" 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 nihte.
Tō: This is the Old English word for "to" (our modern "to"), often indicating a point in time or direction.
nihte: This is the dative case (used for indirect objects or showing direction/time) of the Old English word niht, meaning "night" (our modern "night").
So, literally, tō nihte meant something like "on this night" or "at this night."
The first known use of "tonight" in English, with the meaning of "on the present night or evening," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Over centuries, the phrase fused together to become the single word "tonight" that we use now, but its meaning has remained incredibly consistent.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tonight
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tonight":
Tonight's the night: Used to express that something significant or long-awaited is finally going to happen on the current evening.
Tonight alive: (Less common, poetic) Describing a vivid, active, or memorable current night.
Go out tonight: To leave home for entertainment or social activities during the current evening.
Party tonight: A plan for a celebration or social gathering on the current evening.
What are you doing tonight?: A common question asking about evening plans.
Tonight's special: A particular dish or item offered only on the current evening, especially in restaurants.
Tonight's forecast: The weather prediction for the current night.
Tonight's agenda: The planned list of topics or activities for the current evening.
Tonight's the night for a change: Expressing a resolve to do something differently starting this evening. (Original phrase, emphasizing resolve)
The magic of tonight: Describing the special or enchanting quality of the current evening. (Lesser-known, poetic)
This very evening: A more formal way to say "tonight." (Synonym)
As darkness falls: As night begins. (Synonymous with the onset of "tonight")
Under the cloak of darkness: Secretly, during the night. (Evokes actions taken "tonight" surreptitiously)
The eve of the morrow: (Poetic) The night before tomorrow. (Synonymous with "tonight" from a future perspective)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tonight from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
