overmorrow
Archaic / Very RareLiterary / Archaic / Poetic
Definition
Meaning
The day after tomorrow.
Specifically refers to the second day following the current day; a formal or archaic equivalent of "the day after tomorrow". It has no metaphorical or extended uses.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is obsolete in modern English. Its meaning is strictly temporal and concrete. It exists as a lexical curiosity, sometimes revived for stylistic effect in literature, fantasy, or historical fiction. It is part of a triad with "yesterday", "today", and "tomorrow". The counterpart "ereyesterday" (the day before yesterday) is even rarer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the word is equally archaic and unused in both varieties.
Connotations
In both dialects, its use evokes an antiquated, formal, or deliberately old-fashioned tone. It might be used for humorous or whimsical effect.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both British and American English. It is virtually never encountered in contemporary spoken or written communication outside specific stylistic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Prepositional Phrase: on the overmorrowVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except possibly in historical linguistics or philology papers discussing archaic terms.
Everyday
Not used. Saying "the day after tomorrow" is the universal standard.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- We shall reconvene overmorrow.
- The decree takes effect overmorrow.
American English
- The package is scheduled to arrive overmorrow.
- Let's plan to discuss this overmorrow.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old manuscript stated the knight would return 'on the overmorrow'.
- In the fantasy novel, the spell would be broken overmorrow.
- The poet archaically referred to the appointed day not as 'the day after tomorrow' but simply as 'overmorrow'.
- Linguists cite 'overmorrow' as a prime example of a temporal adverb that has fallen into complete disuse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'over' as meaning 'beyond' or 'past'. So 'overmorrow' is 'beyond tomorrow'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PATH/LINEAR JOURNEY (tomorrow is the next step, overmorrow is the step beyond that).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation might lead to "послезавтра", which is correct in meaning but the English word is not used in modern speech.
- Do not try to use it in conversation expecting it to be understood as normal vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern speech/writing expecting it to be standard.
- Confusing it with 'overwhelm' or 'morrow' (morning/day) in isolation.
- Misspelling as 'overmorrow' (double 'r').
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of 'overmorrow'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a genuine but archaic English word meaning 'the day after tomorrow'. It is found in older texts like the King James Bible and works from the Middle English period.
You can, but it will sound very old-fashioned, poetic, or deliberately quirky. It is not part of active modern vocabulary and may confuse listeners. 'The day after tomorrow' is the standard phrase.
The equivalent archaic term is 'ereyesterday' (or 'yestereve' for the evening before). Like 'overmorrow', it is obsolete. The standard modern phrase is 'the day before yesterday'.
Linguistic simplification is common. The transparent, analytical phrase 'the day after tomorrow' likely became preferred over the single, less transparent lexical item 'overmorrow'. Similar processes led to the loss of 'ereyesterday'.