day
day — noun
1. a unit of time equal to 24 hours, starting at midnight and ending at the followi
a unit of time equal to 24 hours, starting at midnight and ending at the following midnight — the length of one full rotation of the Earth.
There are seven days in every normal week.
Chidi's birthday party will start in three days.
day + in + future time period
The package that I ordered arrived two days ago.
number + days + ago for past time
Reema stayed in Paris with her aunt for six days.
for + number + days to show duration
This hotel costs one hundred dollars a day.
- per day
- the next day
- every day
- within a day
- the following day
- 24 hours
more precise and technical; used in medical or scientific contexts
- night
refers to the dark period, while 'day' here includes both day and night
Grammar Patterns
day + of + month/event
number + day(s) + ago/later
per day / a day
Usage Note
The most basic sense of 'day'. When counting days, no preposition is needed before 'day' with time expressions: 'I'll be there Monday' (not 'on Monday' in informal use), but 'in three days' refers to the future, and 'three days ago' refers to the past.
Common Mistakes
2. the light part of a 24-hour day, when the sun is up and the sky is bright — used
the light part of a 24-hour day, when the sun is up and the sky is bright — used to contrast this period with the night or the dark.
Owls sleep during the day and hunt at night.
during the day / at night contrast
The museum is open every day from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon.
The Watanabe family spends most of the day in their garden.
spend + most of the day + [activity]
By day, Constanza works as a nurse; by night, she paints.
by day / by night parallel structure
It gets dark early here in winter, so the day is very short.
- during the day
- by day
- all day long
- day and night
- in broad daylight
- night
the dark period between sunset and sunrise
Grammar Patterns
during the day
by day
all day (long)
Usage Note
Use 'during the day' or 'in the daytime' to refer to the light period. 'By day' is a slightly more formal or literary alternative. 'All day' means the entire daylight period, often with an implication of continuous activity.
Common Mistakes
3. the hours that a person spends at their job or in classes, as opposed to their f
the hours that a person spends at their job or in classes, as opposed to their free time or time spent sleeping.
Sari has a very long day at school on Mondays.
a + adjective + day + at + [place]
After a hard day at the office, Emre likes to go for a run.
How was your day at the hospital today, Otis?
How was your day? — common greeting phrase
The children's school day ends at half past three.
school day = the hours a child is at school
The nurse finished her day at the hospital and went straight home.
- working day
- school day
- long day
- hard day
- day off (opposite)
- working day
specifically a day spent at work, not school
- workday
American English term for working hours at a job
Grammar Patterns
a + long/busy/hard + day
day + of/at + [place]
my/your/his + day
Usage Note
'How was your day?' is a very common A1 greeting used between people who know each other, especially family members or colleagues. 'A hard day' and 'a long day' are fixed collocations meaning a tiring day.
Common Mistakes
4. a day when a person does not have to go to work, attend school, or do their usua
a day when a person does not have to go to work, attend school, or do their usual duties, often for rest or personal activities.
Bao took a day off to go to the dentist.
take + a day off + to + [verb]
Fridays are Maja's day off from the café.
day off + from + [place/work]
Ilan asked his manager for two days off next week.
ask for + number + days off
On her day off, Élise took the children to the beach.
The store is closed today because it is a staff training day, not a day off for customers.
- day off from
- take a day off
- have a day off
- ask for a day off
- my day off
- working day
a day spent at work or school
Grammar Patterns
a + day + off
have/take + a day off
my/your/his + day off
Usage Note
The phrase 'day off' uses 'off' as an adverb, not a preposition. When specifying the place, use 'from': 'a day off from work/school'. 'Have a day off' is more common in British English; 'take a day off' is common in both British and American English.
Common Mistakes
5. a short time in the recent past, usually two to five days before the present mom
a short time in the recent past, usually two to five days before the present moment, used in fixed phrases like 'the other day' or 'a few days ago'.
I saw Lukas at the train station the other day.
the other day = a few days ago
Otis called me a few days ago about the school reunion.
a few days ago — exact time reference
The package I ordered arrived just the other day.
Reema mentioned your idea a few days ago at lunch.
- the other day
- a few days ago
- just the other day
- recently
can refer to any time in the recent past, from hours to weeks ago
- a short time ago
more general than 'the other day'; can refer to hours or minutes ago
Grammar Patterns
the other day
a few days ago
these past few days
Usage Note
'The other day' is an indefinite reference meaning 'a few days ago' — the speaker does not need to specify which day. 'A few days ago' is more precise. Both are used with past tense verbs. This sense does not have a plural form.
Common Mistakes
6. the present period of time or the modern age, used especially when comparing how
the present period of time or the modern age, used especially when comparing how life is now with how it was in an earlier time.
Kids these days spend a lot of time on their phones.
kids/people + these days — comparing to past
In my grandmother's day, people sent letters by post.
in + someone's + day — past era reference
These days, most shops accept credit cards for payment.
Back in the day, Christopher used to play guitar in a band.
back in the day — informal, nostalgic past
In those days, people had to walk to the nearest village for water.
in those days — specific past period
- these days
- in those days
- in my day
- back in the day
- in someone's day
- in the past
refers to earlier periods, the opposite of modern times
Grammar Patterns
these days
in those days
in my day
back in the day
Usage Note
'These days' contrasts the present with the past. 'In my day' refers to a period when the speaker was younger and is nostalgic or critical. 'Back in the day' is informal and nostalgic, common in American English. 'In those days' points to a specific past period.
Common Mistakes
7. used to refer to a period in the past, especially one that the speaker remembers
used to refer to a period in the past, especially one that the speaker remembers or that older people have described — for example, talking about life before modern technology.
In those days, people had to walk miles to fetch water from the nearest well.
in those days + past-era collocation
Christopher's grandmother says that in the old days, children ate whatever was put on the table.
in the old days expressing remembered past
In those days, a single letter could take two weeks to arrive by post.
In the old days, farmers in Linh's village grew rice without any machines at all.
in the old days for rural/historical context
Back in those days, families would sit on the porch and share stories after sunset.
- in those days
- in the old days
- in my day
- back in those days
- present
the current period, contrasted with past eras
Grammar Patterns
in those days
in the old days
in those + noun + days
Usage Note
Frequently paired with a possessive determiner or noun modifier: 'in my day', 'in those days', 'in the old days'. Not typically used alone as a simple adverb — the phrase structure is required.
Common Mistakes
8. used to say that something is expected to happen soon, usually in the coming day
used to say that something is expected to happen soon, usually in the coming days — for example, waiting for news, a delivery, or a natural event.
The baby is due any day now, so Camila has packed her hospital bag.
any day now for expected events
The repair crew said they would come any day now to fix the broken pipe.
Karim checks the mailbox every morning because his passport should arrive any day now.
any day now with personal documents/paperwork
The cherry blossoms along the river should bloom any day now.
Aarav has finished the design and expects client feedback any day now.
- any day now
- soon
sooner range is vaguer; 'any day now' adds a concrete sense of days, not weeks
- momentarily
more formal and suggests happening at any moment, not necessarily within days
- never
complete opposite of expected future event
Grammar Patterns
any day now
Usage Note
Almost always used with future or present tense. Never used for past events. The phrase carries a tone of hopeful or confident expectation.
Common Mistakes
9. the outdoor period when there is natural sunlight, thought of as the time for be
the outdoor period when there is natural sunlight, thought of as the time for being outside, travelling, or doing activities without needing artificial light.
Feng prefers to study by day and relax in the evening.
by day as adverbial phrase
The museum is open during the day but closes at five o'clock.
during the day for opening hours
Felix works as a nurse by day and teaches yoga at night.
by day contrasted with at night
Wild rabbits are rarely seen during the day because they hide in the bushes.
Jude likes to go for a run during the day when the park is quiet.
- by day
- during the day
- daytime
the noun form; used in 'in the daytime' adverbial phrases
- daylight hours
more formal and emphasizes the natural-light aspect
- night
the period after sunset
Grammar Patterns
by day
during the day
Usage Note
Distinguish from noun sense 2 (DAYTIME HOURS): sense 2 contrasts day-as-light with night-as-dark within a single 24-hour cycle; this sense treats daylight as the outdoor-activity window. 'By day' and 'during the day' are the most common adverbial patterns.
Common Mistakes
10. happening every single day, especially in a way that feels boring, tiring, or un
happening every single day, especially in a way that feels boring, tiring, or unpleasantly repetitive.
Eleni got tired of eating the same lunch day after day.
day after day expressing boredom with repetition
Nkechi walked the same route to the factory day after day for twelve years.
The rain continued day after day, flooding the streets and delaying the harvest.
day after day with weather patterns
Day after day, William practised the same piano scale until his fingers ached.
day after day sentence-initial position
Valentina fed the stray cats day after day without ever missing a visit.
- day after day
- day in, day out
same meaning but slightly more informal and emphatic
- repeatedly
adverb with similar meaning but neutral tone
- occasionally
implies breaks in the routine
Grammar Patterns
day after day
day after day + clause
Usage Note
This fixed phrase carries a negative or weary tone — it emphasizes monotony or hardship. Use 'every day' for neutral repetition. 'Day after day' can appear at the start or end of a clause.
Common Mistakes
11. throughout the whole time from morning until night, without stopping or taking a
throughout the whole time from morning until night, without stopping or taking a break.
Dario sat at his desk all day long finishing the report for his manager.
all day long for continuous work
The children played outside all day long and came home covered in mud.
Stefan's phone battery lasted all day long after he replaced it.
all day long describing product duration
All day long, the street musicians played cheerful songs for passersby.
all day long sentence-initial position
Aaron stayed in bed all day long because he had a bad fever.
- all day long
- all day
- throughout the day
slightly more formal; interchangeable in meaning
- the entire day
more formal and less common in everyday speech
- briefly
for a short period, opposite of the whole day
Grammar Patterns
all day long
all day
Usage Note
'All day long' is more emphatic than 'all day' and often appears in informal or narrative contexts. Both forms are interchangeable in most situations.
Common Mistakes
12. happening slowly and continuously, so that a change is more noticeable from one
happening slowly and continuously, so that a change is more noticeable from one day to the next — often used for improvements, growth, or gradual decline.
Owen's health improved day by day after he started the new treatment.
day by day describing gradual improvement
The pile of paperwork on Eli's desk grew day by day.
day by day describing gradual increase
Day by day, the old garden wall crumbled under the rain and wind.
day by day for natural processes over time
Maeve's confidence in speaking Spanish grew day by day as she practised with friends.
day by day for skill development
The cost of building materials rose day by day, worrying the project manager.
- day by day
- gradually
adverb that captures the slow-change aspect without the daily rhythm
- little by little
more informal and can apply to any unit of time, not just days
- suddenly
implying an immediate change, the opposite of gradual
Grammar Patterns
day by day
day by day + clause
Usage Note
Emphasizes a gradual, cumulative change — unlike 'every day', which can imply a repeated identical action. 'Day by day' is often used with verbs of change: improve, grow, rise, weaken, recover.
Common Mistakes
13. Used to describe something that varies or keeps changing, so that it is not the
Used to describe something that varies or keeps changing, so that it is not the same on any two days in a row.
The weather in this mountain city changes from day to day, so always carry an umbrella.
change (from) day to day — variability
Noor's appetite varies from day to day, which makes meal planning difficult.
Prices for fresh fish at the harbour market differ from day to day with no fixed rate.
differ from day to day — no fixed pattern
Patient recovery times at the clinic change day to day during the first week after surgery.
Lukas noticed that bus arrival times at his stop shifted from day to day without warning.
- change (from) day to day
- vary (from) day to day
- differ (from) day to day
- shift (from) day to day
- stay the same
Direct opposite meaning — no change at all
- remain constant
Formal opposite, common in scientific or business contexts
Grammar Patterns
(from) day to day
change (from) day to day
vary (from) day to day
Usage Note
The subject of this phrase is typically something variable: weather, mood, prices, conditions, or other changing situations. The word 'from' is often dropped, especially in informal speech: 'changes day to day'.
Common Mistakes
14. The day that comes immediately before a particular date, event, or point in time
The day that comes immediately before a particular date, event, or point in time.
Amihan studied all afternoon the day before the final chemistry exam.
the day before + [event]
The shop closes at noon on the day before a national holiday.
Owen packed his suitcase the day before his flight to Osaka.
Sivan sent reminder emails the day before the team meeting.
position: noun phrase used adverbially without a preposition
All the vegetables were chopped and ready the day before the cooking competition.
- the day before yesterday
- the day before [event/date]
- the day before that
- the previous day
More formal; common in written narratives and reports
- the prior day
Formal, used in legal or business documents
- the next day
The day that follows
- the following day
More formal than 'the next day'
Grammar Patterns
the day before + [event]
the day before + [date]
the day before yesterday
Usage Note
This phrase functions as an adverbial noun phrase — no preposition (in/on) is needed. It is often followed by 'of' plus a specific event: 'the day before of the wedding' is incorrect; use 'the day before the wedding'.
Common Mistakes
15. A past era or memorable stage in history or in someone's life, especially one th
A past era or memorable stage in history or in someone's life, especially one that feels quite different from the present.
Back in the day, people relied on paper maps instead of phone apps for directions.
back in the day — informal time reference
Lisa recalls that back in the day, her neighbourhood had only one small grocery store.
Feng's grandmother often talks about the days when letters took weeks to arrive by ship.
in the days when — introducing a defining clause
In my grandfather's day, a single salary was enough to support a family of five.
Rodrigo misses the days when neighbours gathered on front porches every summer evening.
- back in the day
- in those days
- in the days of
- in someone's day
- the days when
- the present day
The current period, in contrast with a past era
- today
Simple, direct antonym for 'back in the day'
Grammar Patterns
back in the day
in those days
in someone's day
in the days of
Usage Note
'Back in the day' is informal and used for nostalgic recollection. More formal alternatives include 'at that time' or 'in that era'. 'In someone's day' refers to the period when that person was active or young. Distinguished from noun/7 'in the past' which is a general time reference without nostalgic or era-specific connotations.
Common Mistakes
16. Still true or continuing right up to the current time, even though a long period
Still true or continuing right up to the current time, even though a long period has passed.
To this day, no one knows what started the fire that destroyed the old library.
to this day — sentence-initial position
Christopher feels guilty to this day about breaking his sister's favourite doll.
The ruins of that hill-top fortress have remained standing to this day.
Élise wonders to this day why she never received a reply to her letter.
sentence-final position after the verb
To this day, Padma keeps the first birthday card her husband ever gave her.
- to this day
- no longer
The opposite meaning — something that has stopped
- not anymore
Informal opposite
Grammar Patterns
to this day
Usage Note
Often used at the start or end of a clause for emphasis. Stronger and more emphatic than 'still' because it stresses the entire duration that has passed. Works in both positive statements and negative ones.
Common Mistakes
all in a day’s work
idiomSomething that is a normal part of your job and not surprising.
For a firefighter, rescuing a cat from a tree is all in a day's work.
Dealing with difficult customers is all in a day's work for Sara.
Very soon, possibly at any moment.
The package should arrive any day now.
We expect the test results any time now.
Used to introduce the most important point after considering everything.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing.
At the end of the day, it's your choice.
back in the day
idiomIn the past, especially a time that is remembered fondly.
Back in the day, we used to play outside until dark.
My grandfather often talks about how cheap things were back in the day.
back in the days
idiomAt a particular time in the past.
Back in the days when I was a student, I had more free time.
Back in the days of black-and-white TV, life seemed simpler.
break of day/dawn
idiomThe time in the early morning when light first appears.
We set out on our hike at break of day.
The birds start singing at break of dawn.
call it a day
idiomTo decide to stop working or doing an activity for the rest of the day.
After finishing the report, Brian decided to call it a day.
It's getting dark, so let's call it a day and go home.
carry/win the day
idiomTo be successful in a competition, argument, or struggle.
Despite the odds, the underdog team carried the day.
Patience and hard work can win the day.
(as) clear as day
idiomVery easy to see, understand, or recognize.
The instructions were as clear as day.
Her guilt was clear as day from the evidence.
day after day
idiomContinuously for many days, often in a boring or annoying way.
She does the same routine day after day.
Day after day, the rain continued without stopping.
day and night
idiomAll the time; without stopping.
The factory operates day and night.
She studied day and night for the final exam.
day by day
idiomGradually, as each day passes.
Day by day, the patient's condition improved.
The city is changing day by day.
day in, day out
idiomEvery day for a long period of time, often in a boring way.
He works at the same desk day in, day out.
Day in, day out, she takes the same bus to work.
a day of reckoning
idiomThe time when someone must face the consequences of their actions.
The day of reckoning came when the bills arrived.
He knew a day of reckoning was coming for his lies.
Someone or something will not continue to exist or be successful for much longer.
The old building's days are numbered; it will be demolished soon.
His days as manager are numbered after that loss.
To spend the last part of your life in a particular condition or place.
She ended her days in a small cottage by the sea.
He ended his life in peace after a long illness.
Everyone will have a time of success or good luck at some point.
Don't worry, every dog has his day.
She finally won the lottery; every dog has its day.
the evil hour/day
idiomThe time when you must do something unpleasant or difficult.
I kept putting off the evil hour of cleaning the garage.
The evil day arrived when he had to give his speech.
five a day
idiomThe recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables for good health.
Try to eat five a day for better health.
She starts her five a day with an apple at breakfast.
from day one
idiomFrom the very beginning.
From day one, the project was doomed to fail.
She was a great leader from day one.
from day to day
idiomWithout planning for the future; living in the present.
They live from day to day, not knowing what will happen.
His mood changes from day to day.
Used to describe a situation that changes often and is uncertain.
The weather changes from one day to the next.
I never know what to expect from one day to the next.
Starting from that day and continuing into the future.
From that day forth, they were best friends.
From that time forth, he never touched alcohol again.
Used to say you strongly prefer one thing or person over another.
Give me a quiet evening at home any day.
Give me chocolate over vanilla any day.
A helpful or kind action that you do, often as part of a routine.
I helped an old lady cross the street; that's my good deed for the day.
She donated to charity and felt she had done her good deed for the day.
A past time that is remembered as either better or worse than the present.
Grandpa often talks about the good old days.
The bad old days of war are behind us.
have had your day
idiomTo no longer be successful, popular, or powerful.
That actor has had his day; he rarely gets roles now.
The old technology has had its day.
have a nice day!
idiomA friendly way to say goodbye, especially to customers.
The cashier smiled and said, "Have a nice day!"
Have a nice day! See you tomorrow.
To be in poor condition, especially from age or use.
This old sofa has seen better days.
My car has known better days; it's falling apart.
Used to emphasize that someone is at least a certain age.
She must be sixty if she's a day.
He's seventy if he's a day.
in all my born days
idiomUsed to express surprise at something you have never experienced before.
I've never seen such a mess in all my born days.
In all my born days, I've never heard such nonsense.
When you think about something calmly and clearly, especially after time has passed.
In the cold light of day, the problem seemed less serious.
The decision looked foolish in the cold light of day.
in somebody’s day
idiomDuring the time when someone was most successful, famous, or active.
In my grandmother's day, people wrote letters by hand.
He was a great athlete in his day.
in the olden days
idiomA long time ago in the past, often used when telling stories.
In the olden days, people traveled by horse.
What was school like in the olden days?
in this day and age
idiomIn the present time, especially compared to the past.
In this day and age, everyone has a smartphone.
It's surprising that such poverty still exists in this day and age.
Used to say it is too soon to know how a situation will develop.
It's early days yet; we don't know if the plan will work.
The project is still early days, so don't worry.
Used when several bad things happen to someone on the same day.
First I lost my keys, then I missed the bus—it's not my day.
It's just not your day, is it?
late in the day
idiomToo late to take effective action or change a situation.
He started studying late in the day and failed the exam.
It's a bit late in the day to apologize now.
the livelong day
idiomThe entire day, often used to emphasize length.
She worked in the garden the livelong day.
He sat and watched TV the livelong day.
To survive a failure or setback and have another chance in the future.
We lost the match, but we live to fight another day.
The company went bankrupt, but the owner lived to fight another day.
make somebody’s day
idiomTo make someone very happy on a particular day.
Getting a surprise gift really made my day.
Your kind words made her day.
To spend the whole day or evening enjoying a particular activity.
We went to the beach and made a day of it.
They decided to make a night of it and went dancing.
night and day
idiomAll the time; continuously.
The machines run night and day.
She worked night and day to finish the project.
a nine days’ wonder
idiomSomething that attracts attention for a short time and then is forgotten.
The celebrity scandal was a nine days' wonder.
That new gadget will be a nine days' wonder.
To refuse to speak to or acknowledge someone because you dislike them.
Since the argument, she won't give him the time of day.
The popular kids wouldn't give me the time of day.
not have all day
idiomTo not have much time; to be in a hurry.
Come on, we don't have all day!
Hurry up, I don't have all day to wait.
of somebody’s day
idiomBelonging to the period when someone lived or was active.
Shakespeare was the greatest writer of his day.
The fashion of her day was very different.
of the day
idiomRelating to the present time or a specific day.
The soup of the day is tomato basil.
The news of the day was all about the election.
one day
idiomAt some time in the future or on a particular day in the past.
One day, I hope to travel around the world.
One day, she walked into the room and announced her engagement.
one of these days
idiomAt some time in the near future.
One of these days, I'll learn to cook.
One of these days, you'll regret that decision.
one of those days
idiomA day when many things go wrong.
It's been one of those days where nothing goes right.
I spilled coffee on my shirt; it's one of those days.
the order of the day
idiomThe typical or expected thing at a particular time or occasion.
Casual dress is the order of the day at this company.
Efficiency was the order of the day during the project.
Recently, within the past few days.
I saw Maria the other day at the mall.
The other morning, I woke up to find snow on the ground.
To have a short, friendly conversation with someone.
I stopped to pass the time of day with my neighbor.
She passed the time of day with the shopkeeper.
Very obvious or easy to see.
The answer was as plain as day.
His guilt was plain as the nose on your face.
Used to say that important things take time and cannot be done quickly.
Don't rush; Rome wasn't built in a day.
Learning a language takes time—Rome wasn't built in a day.
your salad days
idiomThe time when you are young and inexperienced.
In my salad days, I made many mistakes.
She often looks back on her salad days with fondness.
To prevent failure or disaster when it seems certain.
The firefighter saved the day by rescuing the cat.
Her quick thinking saved the situation.
To save something, especially money, for a future time of need.
I put some money aside for a rainy day.
She saved the extra cookies for a rainy day.
some day
idiomAt an unknown time in the future.
Some day, I will visit Japan.
Some day, we'll look back and laugh at this.
To deal with the present moment without worrying about the future.
After the accident, she took things one day at a time.
We don't know what will happen, so let's take it one day at a time.
that’ll be the day
idiomUsed to say that something is very unlikely to happen.
You clean your room? That'll be the day!
He apologizes? That'll be the day.
these days
idiomIn the present time, especially compared to the past.
These days, most people have smartphones.
Kids grow up so quickly these days.
those were the days
idiomUsed to say that a past time was better or happier than the present.
Remember when we were carefree? Those were the days.
Those were the days when music was simple.
to the day
idiomExactly (used with periods of time).
It's been three years to the day since we met.
He died 50 years to the day after his birth.
to this day
idiomEven now, after a long time has passed.
To this day, I still remember her name.
To this day, the mystery remains unsolved.
oh my days
idiomUsed to show strong feelings like surprise, shock, or annoyance.
Oh my days! I can't believe you won the lottery.
Oh my days, did you see that huge spider in the bathroom?
day — biographical name
1. Thomas Day (1748–1789), an English writer remembered for his children's novel Th
Thomas Day (1748–1789), an English writer remembered for his children's novel The History of Sandford and Merton, which was designed to teach young readers moral values through a series of everyday adventures.
Thomas Day's novel Sandford and Merton stayed popular in English schools for many decades.
historical-literary context
Literary scholars often group Thomas Day with other moralist writers of the 1700s.
Many parents in the 1790s chose Thomas Day's stories to teach their children right from wrong.
A museum exhibit about London writers from the 1700s included a section on Thomas Day.
2. William Rufus Day (1849–1923), an American diplomat and jurist who served as Uni
William Rufus Day (1849–1923), an American diplomat and jurist who served as United States Secretary of State under President William McKinley and later as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
William Rufus Day helped draft the treaty that ended the Spanish-American War in 1898.
diplomatic-historical context
William Rufus Day wrote key Supreme Court rulings on commerce and trade law.
A biography of President McKinley describes William Rufus Day as a trusted advisor on foreign policy.
Law students still study William Rufus Day's opinions on railroad regulation from the early 1900s.
3. Clarence Shepard Day Jr. (1874–1935), an American author best known for his humo
Clarence Shepard Day Jr. (1874–1935), an American author best known for his humorous autobiographical book Life with Father, which became a successful Broadway play and a film.
Clarence Day's book Life with Father became one of the most popular Broadway plays of the 1940s.
literary-theatrical adaptation context
Many readers enjoy Clarence Day's humorous style in his essays about family life in New York.
Clarence Day graduated from Yale University in 1896 and later wrote for several magazines.
biographical details: education and career
A collection of Clarence Day's letters was published after his death in 1935.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
Day (noun/1) refers to a full 24-hour cycle, from midnight to midnight. '24 hours' is its exact technical equivalent, used in medical, scientific, and logistics contexts ('the medication must be taken every 24 hours') — but it is less natural in everyday conversation ('see you in a day' sounds normal; 'see you in 24 hours' sounds clinical). 'Date' refers to a specific calendar day identified by number, month, and year ('What is today's date?'), so it overlaps with 'day' only when the speaker needs to pinpoint a calendar slot rather than a time span. 'Daytime' is narrower: it covers only the light period within the 24-hour cycle, not the night. For example, 'I work during the day' and 'I work during daytime' are similar, but 'I stayed for three days' cannot be replaced with 'three daytimes'.
Common collocations
Nouns
- day job
- day trip
- day care
- day shift
- day school
- opening day
- closing day
- due date (day)
Adverbs
- all day
- every day
- the next day
- the following day
- the previous day
- one day
Phrases
- day and night
- day in, day out
- day of the week
- day of rest
- from day one
- to this day
- the day before
- the day after
Prepositions
- by day
- during the day
- per day
- within a day
- in + someone's + day
- on + day + (of week/event)
Etymology
The word 'day' comes from Old English dæg, which meant both 'the period of sunlight' and 'the 24-hour cycle'. It traces back through Proto-Germanic *dagaz to the Proto-Indo-European root *dhegʷh-, meaning 'to burn' or 'to be warm' — a clue that the earliest sense referred to the warm, sunlit part of the cycle. Cognates include German Tag, Dutch dag, and Old Norse dagr. The modern spelling settled in Middle English, and the daylight-versus-24-hour ambiguity has been part of the word since its earliest recorded use.