24 hours Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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24 hours
[ˈtwɛn·ti fɔr ˈaʊərz ]
Definition
time measurement
A period of 24 hours; one full day and night
Synonyms
day, entire day, full day.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| 24 hours |
This term is typically used in formal or specific contexts, such as in business, health services, and technical descriptions, to emphasize precision in time.
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| day |
A general term used in everyday language to refer to the period from sunrise to sunset, or a 24-hour period.
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| full day |
Similar to 'entire day', but often implies a day filled with activities or work without any significant break.
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| entire day |
Used to emphasize the completeness of a day's duration, often highlighting that something continues without interruption for the whole day.
|
Examples of usage
- The store is open 24 hours a day.
- I have to work for 24 hours straight.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The Earth's rotation creates day and night, meaning each 24-hour period includes approximately 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
- Our bodies have circadian rhythms that follow this 24-hour cycle, influencing sleep and energy levels.
- The concept of a 'day' can also vary on other planets, where time taken to rotate can differ significantly from Earth's 24 hours.
Cultural Impact
- Many cultures have developed various traditions and celebrations that revolve around the 24-hour cycle, such as New Year's Eve countdowns.
- Events like 'Earth Hour' encourage people to turn off lights for one hour, bringing awareness to the importance of energy conservation within a day.
- The modern workweek and school schedules are often organized around this 24-hour time frame, allowing society to function smoothly.
Psychology
- Psychologists have found that people often misjudge how much they can accomplish in a single day, highlighting the importance of time management.
- The concept of a 24-hour day emphasizes prioritizing tasks and managing urgency, often leading to stress for some individuals.
- Studies suggest that way people perceive time can influence their happiness, making a full day feel either short or long based on activities.
Pop Culture
- The TV series '24' popularized the idea of tracking events in real-time within a single 24-hour span, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Music groups and artists often write songs or albums that reflect the experiences or emotions faced over a 24-hour period, resonating with listeners.
- 'Around the Clock' is a common theme in various movies and shows that explore what happens in life's challenges over the course of a day.
Origin of '24 hours'
Main points about word origin
- The concept of a 24-hour day dates back to ancient Egypt, where they divided daytime and nighttime into 12 parts each.
- In ancient Rome, this system was adopted, leading to the modern use of hours based on a full rotation of the Earth.
- The 24-hour clock system is sometimes referred to as 'military time' because it's used in the armed forces to avoid confusion.
The concept of dividing the day into 24 hours dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians. The 24-hour day was eventually standardized by the Romans. The modern 24-hour clock system with midnight as the starting point was introduced in the 14th century.