today - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
today Word Meanings
- On the current day.
- At the present time.
- Used to refer to the current period.
today Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
today Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/təˈdeɪ/
US
/təˈdeɪ/
today Word Etymology
to+day (today = (to) this day). Root: "day" from Old English 'dæg.' Earliest meaning signifies the present time period, illustrating a vivid moment on the calendar.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push the blinds open and stretch, feeling the morning shift from shadow to light. I glance at the clock and let my mind move toward today, the current slice of hours I'm in. I adjust my pace, set a small plan for today, and hold my focus against distractions. As the minutes pass, the day feels practical and real, and I keep guiding my steps through what today will hold.
Real Context
Today is a marker for the calendar day or the present period in English. As an adverb and time reference, it feels immediate, often signaling what is happening right now or within the current day. You can say, for example, 'Today the weather is sunny' or 'Today I plan to start a project.' Learners frequently mix today with now, this week, or this moment, missing the calendar nuance. Practice by pairing today with daily activities, weather, or plans to emphasize the present-day scope rather than a fleeting moment.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Use today for events that happen on the calendar day.
- 2) Distinguish today from now (the present moment) and from this week (a broader period).
- 3) Use today’s with possessives to describe things related to today (today’s weather).
- 4) Place today at the start or before the verb in many simple statements.
- 5) Compare today with other time anchors like yesterday, tomorrow, or this month to show sequence.
Common Misconceptions
- Today is the same as now; it is not always the moment you are speaking.
- Today cannot refer to a future plan occurring on the calendar day.
- Today and this week are interchangeable when you mean the calendar period, which is not always true.
- Today’s weather is a common collocation, but not all today phrases require weather context.
- Today can be possessive (today’s) to describe things related to the day.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Today anchors events to the calendar day and can imply a sense of immediacy or planning tied to today’s date.
Learning Tips
- 1) Practice using today with weather and plans.
- 2) Compare sentences with today, now, and this week to feel the time scale.
- 3) Use today’s + noun to describe things related to the day.
- 4) Read and listen for calendar-time cues in speech.
- 5) Write a daily journal entry using today to anchor events.
- 6) Create flashcards with yesterday, today, tomorrow to build contrast.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'today'?
A.The present day; on this day
B.The day before the present day
C.At some time in the future
D.During the night
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'today' correctly?
A.I will finish the report today.
B.Today is the tallest mountain in the world.
C.She bought a new dress today next month.
D.They decided to play chess today yesterday.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'today'?
A.this day
B.yesterday
C.soon
D.night
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite of 'today'?
A.yesterday
B.tomorrow
C.always
D.never
Step 5: Mastery
Which real-life scenario is one where someone would correctly use the word 'today'?
A.We are leaving for vacation this afternoon.
B.She graduated from college five years ago.
C.The project will start next month.
D.He moved to the city last decade.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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