ago

Definition

Before now, before the present time

Etymology

From Middle English ago, agon (“passed”), past participle of agon (“to depart, escape, pass”), from Old English āgān (“to go away, pass away, go forth, come to pass”), from Proto-Germanic *uz- (“out”), *gāną (“to go”), equivalent to a- + gone, and by surface analysis, a- + go. Cognate with German ergehen (“to come to pass, fare, go forth”). Compare also Old Saxon āgangan (“to go or pass by”), Gothic 𐌿𐍃𐌲𐌰𐌲𐌲𐌰𐌽 (usgaggan, “to go forth”).

Example Sentences

• "I got married ten years ago."
• "Two years ago a pair of scientists sparked fears of a devastating virus."
• "When they first met in 2000, my dad told my mom how he had gotten the money. The story begins 20 years ago."