Definition

1. Adverb:

   • During the night of the present day; on or during the coming night. It refers to the period of darkness following the current day.

2. Noun:

   • The night of the present day; the coming night. It refers to the night-time period that is happening now or will happen very soon.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • I will finish the report tonight.
  • Are you doing anything tonight?
  • The concert is scheduled for tonight at eight o'clock.

• Noun:

  • Tonight is perfect for stargazing.
  • I am looking forward to tonight.
  • What's on television tonight? (Here, "tonight" functions as an adverb modifying "on.")

Advanced Usage

• "as of tonight": Starting from this evening/night, indicating a change in state.

  • As of tonight, the new policy is in effect.

• "for tonight": Intended or planned for this evening/night.

  • That's all we have planned for tonight.

Variants and Related Words

• Night (n): The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
• Evening (n): The period of time at the end of the day, usually from late afternoon until nightfall. (Often used interchangeably with "tonight" in casual contexts, though "tonight" specifically includes the later, darker hours.)

Synonyms

• This evening (n/adv): Often used synonymously, though it can imply an earlier time than "tonight."
• This night (n/adv): A more formal or literary equivalent.

Related Phrases

• "tonight's special": A featured item (e.g., a meal, an offer) available for this evening.

  • The tonight's special is grilled salmon.

• "good tonight": Functioning well or valid for this evening.

  • My voice isn't good tonight; I have a sore throat.
  • This coupon is good tonight only.

Idioms

• "The night is young": (Often said early in the evening) There is plenty of time left tonight for activities.
  • We don't have to go home yet; the night is young!

Adverb

1. during the night of the present day
   • drop by tonight

Noun

1. the present or immediately coming night