Till

The word "till" functions primarily as a preposition or a conjunction, indicating a point in time up to which something continues or happens. It can denote duration, either in the present, past, or future, often used in temporal contexts to signify a limit or boundary. As a verb, "till" can mean to cultivate land for the growing of crops. Its meaning depends heavily on context. It signifies the action of working the soil to prepare it for planting, but also indicates the passage of time.

Till meaning with examples

• We worked at the shop till sunset. (Preposition, indicating time) / We worked at the shop until sunset (Synonym). It clearly marks the end point of our working period, implying we stopped working when the sun went down, and we are not going to start working again until sunrise (Antonym: After).
• The rain continued till morning. (Preposition, duration) / The rain continued until morning (Synonym). Here, it specifies the timeframe of the rainfall. It means the rain began at some time and continued up to the start of the morning, implying a cessation afterwards (Antonym: Since).
• He saved his money till he could afford a car. (Conjunction, condition). The buying action (the car) will happen at a certain point after the saving action is done / He saved his money until he could afford a car (Synonym). It demonstrates a goal reached by the continuation of saving. (Antonym: Before).
• The farmer will till the field in the spring. (Verb, action). This example directly highlights the act of preparing soil for planting, suggesting soil preparation. It means the farmer will be using farming tools in preparation for the future planting (Synonym: Cultivate, Plow) (Antonym: Neglect)
• Please wait here till I return. (Conjunction, duration/future). This directs someone to remain in place until one's return. It suggests they are staying here the entire time until you return (Synonym: Until) (Antonym: When).