Morrow vs. Tomorrow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
"Morrow" is an old term referring to the next day or morning, while "Tomorrow" means the day after the current day.
Difference Between Morrow and Tomorrow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Morrow and Tomorrow: "Morrow" is an archaic word, seldom used in modern English, that signifies the following day or morning. "Tomorrow," in contrast, is a commonly used term to denote the day after today.
Morrow and Tomorrow: The origin of "Tomorrow" is from the combination of "to" and "morrow," indicating "to the next day." So, in essence, "Tomorrow" can be thought of as derived from "Morrow."
Morrow and Tomorrow: While "Tomorrow" is regularly used in everyday language and is easily understood, "Morrow" often appears in classical literature or poetic contexts.
Morrow and Tomorrow: In phrases, "on the morrow" means on the next day, which is essentially the same as saying "tomorrow." However, the former has a more formal or antiquated tone.
Morrow and Tomorrow: Both terms are forward-looking, pointing to a time after the present. Yet, "Tomorrow" is direct and specific, while "Morrow" can be slightly more ambiguous without context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The next day or morning.
The day after the current day.
Usage
Archaic and literary.
Common in everyday language.
Origin
Old English "morgen."
Old English combination of "to" + "morgen."
Contextual Tone
Formal or old-fashioned.
Neutral and modern.
Examples in Literature
Appears in older literature and poems.
Used universally in both old and new literature.
Compare with Definitions
Morrow
An old term for morning.
He will arrive by morrow.
Tomorrow
A forthcoming time or occasion.
Tomorrow is another opportunity.
Morrow
The immediate future.
In the morrow, we'll see the outcome.
Tomorrow
The immediate next day.
Tomorrow promises better weather.
Morrow
The subsequent period or time.
He waited for the morrow to confess his feelings.
Tomorrow
In the near future.
The solution will be found tomorrow.
Morrow
A literary term for the next day.
The battle would commence on the morrow.
Tomorrow
Indicating postponed action or event.
I'll finish that task tomorrow.
Morrow
The day following today.
We shall leave on the morrow.
Tomorrow
On the day after today
The show opens tomorrow
Morrow
The following day
Resolved to set out on the morrow.
Tomorrow
The day after today
Tomorrow is going to be a special day
Morrow
The time immediately subsequent to a particular event.
Tomorrow
The day following today.
Morrow
(Archaic) The morning.
Tomorrow
The future.
Morrow
The next or following day.
Tomorrow
On or for the day following today
"I won't think of it now.... I'll think of it tomorrow" (Margaret Mitchell).
Morrow
(archaic) Morning.
Tomorrow
On the day after the present day.
Morrow
(intransitive) To dawn
Tomorrow
At some point in the future; later on
If you don’t get your life on track today, you’re going to be very sorry tomorrow.
Morrow
Morning.
We loved he by the morwe a sop in wine.
Tomorrow
On next (period of time other than a day, such as a week or a month), following the present (period of time).
Morrow
The next following day; the day subsequent to any day specified or understood.
Till this stormy night is gone,And the eternal morrow dawn.
Tomorrow
(obsolete) On the next day (following some date in the past).
Morrow
The day following the present; to-morrow.
Tomorrow
The day after the present day.
Tomorrow will be sunny.
Morrow
The next day;
Whenever he arrives she leaves on the morrow
Tomorrow
On the day after the present day; on the next day; on the morrow.
Summon him to-morrow to the Tower.
Tomorrow
The day after the present; the morrow.
One today is worth two to-morrows.
Tomorrow
The day after today;
What are our tasks for tomorrow?
Tomorrow
The near future;
Tomorrow's world
Everyone hopes for a better tomorrow
Tomorrow
The next day, the day after, following the present day
Common Curiosities
Do other languages have similar distinctions like "Morrow" and "Tomorrow"?
Many languages have evolved terms for time, but the exact distinctions vary by language.
Can "Tomorrow" and "Morrow" be used interchangeably?
Contextually they might mean the same, but "Tomorrow" is modern and direct, while "Morrow" is old-fashioned.
Is "Morrow" ever used in modern literature?
While rare, it might be used for stylistic or thematic reasons, especially in historical or fantasy settings.
Is "Morrow" commonly used today?
No, "Morrow" is an archaic term and is not commonly used in modern English.
Why do we say "Tomorrow" instead of "On the morrow"?
Language evolves, and "Tomorrow" is a more concise and modern way to refer to the next day.
Why did "Morrow" fall out of common use?
As language modernized, simpler and more direct terms like "Tomorrow" became preferred.
Can "Morrow" refer to any future day?
Typically, "Morrow" refers to the immediate next day, similar to "Tomorrow."
Does "Manana" in Spanish have a similar meaning to "Tomorrow"?
Yes, "Mañana" in Spanish translates to "Tomorrow" in English.
Can "Tomorrow" also mean the near future, not just the next day?
Yes, it can be used more generally to mean an impending time or event.
Is it correct to say "Tomorrow morning" since "Tomorrow" can mean morning?
Yes, it's correct and common to specify "Tomorrow morning."
Did "Tomorrow" originate from "Morrow"?
"Tomorrow" comes from Old English, combining "to" and "morgen" (morning), linking it to "Morrow."
How is "Morrow" used in Shakespeare's works?
Shakespeare often used "Morrow" to mean the next day, as in "Good morrow" for "Good morning."
Are there songs titled "Tomorrow"?
Yes, there are numerous songs titled "Tomorrow," across various genres.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
