the other day — a few days ago; recently in the past
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a few days ago; recently in the past
Pronunciation (IPA): /ði ˈʌðər deɪ/
Example Sentences
- I found my missing sock the other day - it was hiding behind the washing machine like a ninja.
- The other day, my GPS told me to turn right into a lake. I'm starting to question its judgment.
- She mentioned the other day that she's planning to move to Seoul next month.
the other day
NOUN[/ði ˈʌðər deɪ/]
a few days ago; recently in the past
I ran into my old teacher the other day at the bookstore.
The other day, she found a way to say what matters most!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'the other day' combines two Old English roots: 'other' from Old English 'ōther' (meaning different or alternative) and 'day' from Old English 'dæg' (meaning a 24-hour period or daytime). The expression originally denoted 'some different day' but evolved to mean 'a few days ago' or 'recently,' becoming an idiom for referring to an unspecified day in the near past.
Breakdown
the (definite article) + other (Old English 'ōther,' meaning different or alternate) + day (Old English 'dæg,' meaning a 24-hour period). The combination functions as an idiomatic phrase where 'other' shifts from its literal sense of 'different' to carry temporal meaning of 'recent.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I found my missing sock the other day - it was hiding behind the washing machine like a ninja.”
“The other day, my GPS told me to turn right into a lake. I'm starting to question its judgment.”
“She mentioned the other day that she's planning to move to Seoul next month.”
“The other day I tried to make pancakes but ended up making what looked like abstract art.”
📚Related Words
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