Yesterday
UK /["/ˈjestədeɪ//ˈjestədi/"]/US /["/ˈjestərdeɪ//ˈjestərdi/"]/
Definition
on the day before today
In simple words: The day before today.
Examples
- A company spokeswoman said yesterday that no final decision had been made yet.
- **yesterday morning/afternoon/evening**
- The company yesterday announced a $40 million deal.
- To think I was lying on a beach only **the day before yesterday**.
- I can remember our wedding as if it were yesterday.
- They arrived yesterday.
- Where were you yesterday morning?
- Figures released yesterday show 4,944 people were awaiting surgery.
- Oh yeah? I wasn't born yesterday, you know.
Usage notes
Used when talking about events or actions that occurred on the day before the current day. It is not used formally.
Grammar pattern
yesterday + verb (past tense)
Memory hint
Think of 'yesterday' as 'Yes, it was another day' — just remember it's in the past.
Collocations
- yesterday evening
- yesterday afternoon
- yesterday's news
Synonyms
- the day before
- preceding day
- last day
Antonyms
- tomorrow
Common mistakes
- Using 'yesterdays' as a plural form.
- Confusing 'yesterday' with 'tomorrow'.
- Using present tense instead of past tense when referring to events.