"the day before" is a prepositional phrase.
/ðə deɪ bɪˈfɔːr/
"The day before" refers to the day preceding a specified event or date. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts to denote the time just before something significant occurs. This phrase is used frequently in everyday conversation, especially when discussing past events or planning for upcoming ones.
Ela estava ocupada se preparando para a festa no dia anterior.
We had a meeting on the day before the conference.
Tivemos uma reunião no dia anterior à conferência.
They called to confirm the schedule the day before.
The phrase "the day before" is integral to several idiomatic expressions, primarily related to preparation and anticipation of events. Here are some examples:
Muitas pessoas estocaram suprimentos no dia anterior à tempestade.
Living in the day before – Suggests being focused on past events rather than the present or future.
Ele parece preso, vivendo no dia anterior em vez de planejar para o amanhã.
The day before the big day – Refers to the last moment before a significant event, such as a wedding or a presentation.
The phrase "the day before" is a combination of "day," which comes from Old English "dæg," meaning a period from one sunset to the next, and "before," deriving from Old English "be foran," meaning in front of or prior to. Together, they describe the concept of time preceding a particular day.
Synonyms: - The previous day - The prior day
Antonyms: - The day after - The following day