time out of mind: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, formal, archaic
Quick answer
What does “time out of mind” mean?
A period of time so long ago that it is beyond memory or recorded history.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period of time so long ago that it is beyond memory or recorded history.
Used to describe something ancient, traditional, or existing for an immeasurably long time; often implying continuity from the distant past.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes deep tradition, antiquity, and a connection to an almost mythical past. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary usage. Its occurrence is almost exclusively in literary, historical, or legal/formal archaic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “time out of mind” in a Sentence
[Preposition] + time out of mind (e.g., from/since time out of mind)Used postpositively after a noun (e.g., a custom time out of mind)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time out of mind” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- This festival has been celebrated here time out of mind.
American English
- His family has lived on this land since time out of mind.
adjective
British English
- The common land has been used for grazing from time out of mind.
American English
- They followed a time out of mind ritual passed down through generations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical, literary, or anthropological texts discussing traditions or legal history.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or deliberately poetic.
Technical
May appear in archaic legal language referring to traditional rights or customs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time out of mind”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time out of mind”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time out of mind”
- Using it as a noun phrase on its own (e.g., 'We discussed the time out of mind.'). It requires a preposition or specific syntactic context.
- Confusing it with the modern phrase 'time-out' (a break).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are essentially synonymous fixed phrases, both meaning 'time beyond memory or record.' 'Time immemorial' is slightly more common in modern legal/formal English.
It would sound very archaic and literary. In everyday speech, use alternatives like 'for as long as anyone can remember' or 'for ages'.
It functions primarily as an adverbial phrase (e.g., 'from time out of mind') or an adjectival phrase used postpositively (e.g., 'a tradition time out of mind'). It is not a standard noun.
They are used interchangeably. 'From' is perhaps more common, but both prepositions are attested in historical and literary usage.
A period of time so long ago that it is beyond memory or recorded history.
Time out of mind is usually literary, formal, archaic in register.
Time out of mind: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm aʊt əv ˈmaɪnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm aʊt əv ˈmaɪnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From time out of mind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock with its hands spinning backwards until they fade away—'time' that is 'out of' the reach of your 'mind's' memory.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER/REALM (we can be 'in' time or 'out of' a certain realm of time). MEMORY IS POSSESSION (what the mind possesses).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'time out of mind'?