eve
UK: iːv | US: iːv
n. the evening or day before a special day or event (e.g., Christmas Eve)
n. (archaic/literary) evening
The word "eve" originates from the Old English ǣfen, meaning "evening." Over time, it evolved into "even" (still used in "evening" or "evenfall") and later shortened to "eve." Its modern usage primarily refers to the day or night before a significant event (e.g., "New Year's Eve"), retaining the original sense of "evening" in poetic or archaic contexts. The semantic shift reflects the cultural importance of the evening preceding celebrations.
We decorated the tree on Christmas Eve.
The party will take place on the eve of the conference.
(Literary) The stars shone brightly on that quiet eve.
She finished her preparations on the eve of her wedding.
The treaty was signed on the eve of the war.