Yesternight is an archaic word that means last night. The spelling of this word can be confusing because it deviates from the usual spelling rules of English. The pronunciation is /ˈjɛstərnaɪt/, with stress on the second syllable. The y at the beginning of the word is a prefix that indicates "last" or "yesterday." The -er- in the middle of the word is an inflectional suffix that signals a comparative form. Finally, -night at the end of the word is a noun that specifies the time period referenced.
Yesternight is an archaic word that refers to the period of time encompassing the night that immediately preceded the present day. It is a combination of two words, "yester-" and "-night," where "yester-" is derived from the Middle English term "yeister," meaning "yesterday." Thus, "yesternight" essentially translates to "last night" or "the night before."
This term was commonly used in older forms of English, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods but has since fallen out of popular usage in modern times. It often appeared in written texts such as poems, literature, or historical accounts, adding a touch of poetic and archaic flair to the language.
The word "yesternight" is primarily employed to describe events, occurrences, or experiences that transpired during the previous night. For instance, one might say "I had a pleasant dream yesternight" or "The village was shrouded in darkness yesternight." It reinforces the notion of the passage of time and subtly conveys a sense of nostalgia or historical context to the narrative.
Though somewhat obsolete, "yesternight" still occasionally appears in literary or formal writings aiming to evoke a sense of old-world charm or to lend a romantic and archaic quality to a piece. Its usage today is largely seen in a poetic or artistic context, ultimately contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the English language.
• On the last night.
• The night last past.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "yesternight" is a combination of two Old English words: "yester" and "night".
The word "yester" comes from the Old English word "geostran", which means "yesterday" or "in the past". It is derived from the Old English word "geostra", meaning "yesterday".
The term "night" is derived from the Old English word "niht", which means "night".
Combining these two words, "yesternight" was formed to refer to the night that occurred on the previous day or last night. It is an archaic word that is rarely used in modern English.