ago

In the past

Ago marks time elapsed from the present backward: three days ago, years ago, not long ago.

It always follows the time expression it modifies.

The reference point is usually now, but in narrative can shift to a past moment: She had arrived two hours ago.

Long ago reaches into the distant past; a moment ago barely precedes the present.

temporal

earlier

At a prior time

beforePrior in time
previouslyBefore the present moment
priorExisting before another

past · back · since · hence · elapsed · preceding · former · bygone · retrospective · backward

duration

years

Twelve-month spans

monthsYear's twelve parts
weeksSeven-day periods
daysTwenty-four-hour spans

hours · minutes · moments · seconds · decades · centuries · millennia · ages · eons · lifetime

memory

remember

Retain in mind

recallMemory retrieval act
nostalgiaLonging for the past
reminiscenceRecalling past experiences

memories · reflection · retrospect · recollection · flashback · hindsight · memoir · remembrance · wistful · bittersweet

Categories

pastbefore, once, previously, prior, then
time wordsminute, hour, day, now, soon
Latin verbssum, est, audio, lego, video
dashikombu, bonito flakes, dried shiitake, kelp, konbu
timesecond, minute, hour, day, seconds
nostalgianostalgia, nostalgic, memories, memory, remember

Opposites

temporal direction

For that reason

in the future · ahead · hereafter · forward · coming

temporal location

agonow

The present moment

currently · present · at present · presently · at this moment

Phrases

long agoIn the distant past
years agoIn past time
ages agoThe remote past
two years agoTwenty-four months past
not long agoIn the near past
three days agoSpecific recent past moment

Family

long ago, agog, agora, years ago, ages ago

Familiarity: Top 3,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G