until
until
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "until" is /ənˈtɪl/.
/ən/
/ˈtɪl/
Word Form Variations
Conjunction: until
Preposition: until
Adverb: (No direct adverb form in common use; the word itself acts adverbially when introducing a time clause).
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Conjunction
Definition 1: Up to the time that; up to the point when. Used to introduce a subordinate clause indicating a point in time.
Synonyms: till, by the time that, before (if action precedes specific time)
Antonyms: from the time that, since, as soon as (if immediate start)
Preposition
Definition 1: Up to (the point in time or event mentioned).
Synonyms: till, up to, prior to, before
Antonyms: after, past, beyond, from (as in from...until)
Definition 2: Up to (the place or limit mentioned). (Less common for place, but possible)
Synonyms: up to, as far as, to (a limit)
Antonyms: from, away from
Note: "Until" primarily functions as a conjunction or preposition. It does not typically function as a noun, verb, or adjective.
Examples of Use
Books:
"He waited patiently by the window until the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon." (Fictional example from a dramatic or suspense novel)
"The book argues that true societal change cannot occur until systemic inequalities are addressed." (From a non-fiction book on sociology or political science)
"She refused to give up until every last puzzle piece was in its place." (Fictional example from a determined character in a novel)
Newspapers:
"The High Court ruling will not take effect until after the appeal process is exhausted." (Daily Nation)
"Businesses are advised to operate cautiously until the economic outlook stabilizes later this year." (Business Daily Africa)
"Heavy rains are expected to continue until the weekend, residents are urged to take precautions." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"Our special offer on premium subscriptions lasts until midnight tonight! Don't miss out." (A promotional banner on a website, e.g., Netflix)
"How to protect your data: Don't click on suspicious links until you've verified the sender." (An article on a cybersecurity blog, e.g., NortonLifeLock Blog)
"The new software update will not be available for download until next month." (A tech news announcement on TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You won't know the answer until you open the box." (Common line in mystery or suspense films, e.g., Se7en)
Television Series: "Previously, on 'The Crown': The Queen would not rest until her duty was done." (Narration at the beginning of an episode)
Song Lyrics: "Until you come back to me, that's what I'm gonna do." (Aretha Franklin, "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)," 1973)
Video Games: "You cannot access this area until you complete the previous quest." (In-game restriction or notification, e.g., The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore how human civilization developed from primitive societies until the rise of complex states." (A podcast on history or anthropology, e.g., Fall of Civilizations Podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"I can't leave work until 5 PM." (A common statement about work hours)
"Let's wait until the rain stops before we go out." (A common suggestion)
"Don't open your presents until Christmas morning!" (A common instruction during holidays)
"He didn't give up until he found a solution." (Praising perseverance)
"The shop is open until 9 tonight." (Stating opening hours)
"You can't really understand a culture until you live there." (A philosophical observation)
"She will not rest until justice is served." (A determined statement)
10 Quotes Using Until
"It always seems impossible until it's done." (Nelson Mandela)
"Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself." (Swami Vivekananda)
"A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you." (A. P. J. Abdul Kalam)
"Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until 75." (Benjamin Franklin)
"Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken." (Warren Buffett)
"It ain't over until it's over." (Yogi Berra)
"We cannot obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves." (Dalai Lama)
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." (Red Adair)
Etymology
The word "until" has a very old and interesting origin, tracing back to Old Norse and Old English.
It's actually a combination of two older words:
"Un-": This part comes from the Old Norse word und, which meant "up to," "as far as," or "as far as to."
"Till": This comes from the Old English word til, which meant "to" or "up to."
So, literally, "until" means something like "up to to" or "as far as to." It's a bit redundant when broken down, but that's how language evolves!
The first known use of "until" in English, with the meaning of "up to the time that" or "as far as (a place or time)," dates back to the early 12th century (around 1125). It largely replaced the simpler "till" in formal writing for a period, perhaps for added emphasis, though "till" is still perfectly valid and used today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Until
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "until":
Until further notice: Until more information or a change in instructions is provided.
Until the cows come home: For a very long time; indefinitely.
Until the bitter end: To the very end, despite difficulties; to the last possible moment.
Until you're blue in the face: To try extremely hard or argue endlessly without success.
Not until: Only when a specific condition is met.
You don't know what you've got till it's gone: (Common saying) You don't appreciate something until you no longer have it. (Uses "till" as a synonym for "until").
Until then: Up to that specified time.
Fight until the last breath: To continue resisting to the very end. (Synonymous with "fight until the bitter end").
Until proven otherwise: Assumed to be true unless evidence is presented to the contrary.
Wait until the dust settles: To delay action or judgment until a chaotic situation becomes clear.
To bide one's time: To wait patiently for a suitable opportunity. (Synonymous with "waiting until the right moment").
Until death do us part: A traditional vow in marriage ceremonies.
From dusk until dawn: Throughout the entire night.
Sleep until noon: To sleep for a very long time. (Original, common relatable action).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of until from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
