to-night

We are going to the cinema to-night.

Definition

1. Adverb:

   • On this present night or evening: "to-night" refers to the night or evening of the current day, often used to indicate when an event will occur.
   • During the coming night: It can also mean the night that follows the current day, especially after sunset.

2. Noun:

   • The present or coming night: "to-night" as a noun denotes the night of the current day or the night that is about to begin.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • I will see you to-night at the party. (I will meet you during this evening.)
  • To-night it will rain, according to the forecast. (Rain is expected during the coming night.)

• Noun:

  • To-night is the best time for stargazing. (The present night is ideal for observing stars.)
  • We have tickets for to-night's performance. (The performance scheduled for this evening.)

Advanced Usage

• "to-night's event": a specific occurrence planned for the current evening.

  • To-night's concert features a famous pianist. (The concert happening this evening.)

• "by to-night": no later than the end of the current night.

  • I need the report finished by to-night. (The report must be completed before the night ends.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tonight (adv/n): the modern standard spelling of "to-night," meaning the same thing.

  • Tonight we will dine together. (This evening we will eat together.)

• Night (n): the period from sunset to sunrise.

  • The night was clear and cold. (The period of darkness was clear and cold.)

Synonyms

• This evening: the early part of the night, typically after sunset.
• This night: the entire period of darkness on the current day.

Related Idioms

• "Tonight's the night": a phrase used to indicate that something important is expected to happen during the current evening.

  • Tonight's the night we finally win the championship! (This evening is when we achieve victory.)

• "Not tonight, dear": a humorous or polite way to decline an invitation or request for the evening.

  • He asked for help, but she said, "Not tonight, dear." (She refused assistance for this evening.)

Historical Note

• "To-night" is an older spelling of "tonight," commonly used in literature from the 18th and 19th centuries. Modern English has largely merged the two words into "tonight," but "to-night" remains acceptable in formal or poetic contexts.