ago

a-go · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    Before the present time; in the past (used after a measurement of time).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    long ago — In the distant past.
  • •
    a while ago — Some time in the recent past.
  • •
    not long ago — Recently.
  • •
    ages ago — A very long time in the past.
  • •
    long, long ago — In the very distant past (often in storytelling).

Related words

Antonyms: from now, hence
See also: before, past, previously, since
Synonyms: back, before, in the past

Etymology

From Old English āgān, past participle of āgān ("to pass away, go by"), from ā- (away) + gān ("to go"). Originally meaning "gone by" or "passed."