Definition of yesterday

Short definition: The word yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is used to talk about the recent past, representing a time that has already occurred or a previous period in history.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word yesterday? The word yesterday is simple, but it carries a strong sense of time and memory. We use it to talk about the day before today, but very often it also feels bigger than that— connected to memories, recent experiences, and things that have just passed. In everyday life, yesterday helps us tell stories, explain what happened, and reflect on moments that are still fresh in our minds. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way, with examples that sound natural instead of stiff like a textbook.

Form: yesterday (adverb, noun)
Related: today adv., tomorrow adv.
Syllable: yes-ter-day

1. The day before today.

   In its most direct meaning, yesterday simply refers to the day that came right before today. It is the easiest way to talk about something that happened very recently, whether it was a small daily activity or an important event. Because it feels so close in time, yesterday often sounds personal and familiar.

   I met Daniel yesterday after work, and we ended up talking for hours about everything that had happened this year.
   She finished the report yesterday, so today she finally feels relaxed instead of stressed.
   We watched that movie yesterday, and I’m still thinking about the ending this morning.

   Synonyms: the day before today, the previous day, last day, the day just past, one day ago, the day gone by, the day before now, yesterday evening/daytime, the recent day, the past day, the day before this, the last 24 hours
   Antonyms: today, tomorrow, right now, this day, the present day, the coming day, the future day, later, soon, the next day, the day after, tomorrow morning

2. A very recent time in the past.

   Sometimes yesterday is used more loosely, not to mean exactly one day ago, but to describe something that happened recently. It gives a feeling that the event is still fresh in memory, even if it was a few days ago.

   It feels like yesterday when we first moved into this house, even though it has already been three years.
   She was just talking about this problem yesterday, so it’s surprising that things have changed so quickly.
   I still remember meeting him like it was yesterday, even though a lot of time has passed since then.

   Synonyms: recently, not long ago, just the other day, a short time ago, lately, in the recent past, only a while ago, a moment ago, not so long ago, the other day, just before now, a little while back
   Antonyms: long ago, ages ago, in the distant past, a long time back, years ago, far in the past, long before, way back when, in ancient times, back then long ago, a very long time ago, once upon a time

3. The past in general, especially when compared to the present.

   In a more emotional or reflective way, yesterday can stand for the past as a whole. People use it when they talk about how things used to be, especially when comparing old times with life today. In this sense, the word carries a feeling of nostalgia or change.

   Technology has changed our lives so much that the world of yesterday feels very different from today.
   He often talks about the music of yesterday, saying it reminds him of simpler and happier times.
   The small shop still feels like something from yesterday, even though the city around it keeps moving forward.

   Synonyms: the past, former times, days gone by, earlier days, old days, times before, bygone days, the old days, former years, past times, earlier times, yesterday’s world
   Antonyms: today, the present, modern times, now, current days, these days, the present age, today’s world, modern life, current era, now and today, the here and now

4. Something that feels outdated or no longer useful.

   Sometimes yesterday is used to describe things that belong to the past and no longer fit with modern life. In this sense, it gently suggests that something has lost its relevance.

   That old phone already feels like yesterday, especially compared to the new models released this year.
   His fashion style seems like it’s from yesterday, but he wears it with confidence anyway.
   Printed maps are almost yesterday now, since most people use their phones to find directions.

   Synonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, out of date, behind the times, no longer modern, from the past, obsolete, yesterday’s news, old style, no longer current, past its time, outmoded
   Antonyms: modern, up to date, current, trendy, fresh, new, latest, cutting-edge, today’s, modern-day, fashionable, contemporary

5. A memory that still feels close and emotional.

   In a more personal sense, yesterday can describe memories that feel very near to the heart. Even if time has passed, these moments stay vivid, as if they happened only a short while ago.

   Losing his dog feels like it happened yesterday, even though it was actually many years ago.
   Her graduation day still feels like yesterday, because the emotions were so strong and unforgettable.
   Sometimes a single song can bring back yesterday, filling your mind with memories you thought you had forgotten.

   Synonyms: vivid memory, fresh in the mind, close memory, living memory, emotional past, unforgettable moment, clear memory, strong memory, recent-feeling past, heartfelt memory, lasting memory, memory that feels new
   Antonyms: forgotten past, faded memory, distant memory, unclear past, forgotten time, vague memory, long-forgotten moment, lost memory, distant recollection, blurred past, unclear memory, forgotten days