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December Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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december

[dɪˈsɛmbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

time

The twelfth and last month of the year, known for its festive holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Synonyms

end of the year, twelfth month.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
december

Same as 'December', it is the twelfth month of the year, but this form of the word is incorrect due to capitalization. Always capitalize month names.

  • The correct usage is 'December', not 'december'.
twelfth month

Used in more formal or specific situations when emphasizing the position of December in the calendar. Could be used in educational or official contexts.

  • December is the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar.
  • The company plans to launch the new product in the twelfth month.
end of the year

Used when referring to the final period of the calendar year. This phrase often emphasizes reflection, deadlines, holidays, or wrapping up yearly tasks.

  • We need to finish all our projects by the end of the year.
  • Reflecting on the achievements and challenges at the end of the year can be very rewarding.

Examples of usage

  • My birthday is in December.
  • December is a month of celebration and reflection.
Context #2 | Noun

history

Originally named from the Latin word 'decem', meaning ten, as it was the tenth month in the Roman calendar before January and February were added.

Synonyms

Latin origin, tenth month.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
december

This word is commonly used to refer to the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It's a neutral term and widely recognized in both casual and formal contexts.

  • Christmas is celebrated in December.
  • Many people make New Year's resolutions at the end of December.
tenth month

This phrase can be used when discussing historical or ancient Roman contexts, where December was originally the tenth month before the calendar reformation. This term is rarely used in modern day-to-day conversations.

  • In the early Roman calendar, December was the tenth month of the year.
  • Originally, December was the tenth month, but it became the twelfth month after calendar reforms.
Latin origin

This phrase refers to the historical background of the word 'December,' indicating that it comes from the Latin word 'decem,' meaning ten. This term is mostly used in educational or linguistic discussions.

  • December, being derived from the Latin word 'decem,' was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar.
  • In Latin, 'December' means 'tenth month,' reflecting its position in the ancient Roman calendar.

Examples of usage

  • December used to be the tenth month of the year.
  • The name December reflects its historical position as the tenth month.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, December is a time of celebration, featuring holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah that bring families together.
  • In the Southern Hemisphere, December is associated with summer and celebrations like Christmas in warm weather.

Astronomy

  • In December, the winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day of the year.
  • Many cultures celebrate the solstice, recognizing the return of longer days and the significance of light.

History

  • Historical events such as the Boston Tea Party occurred in December 1773, which sparked the American Revolution.
  • World War II saw significant battles in December, including the Battle of the Bulge, which was a major turning point.

Festivals and Traditions

  • Advent, a traditional Christian season, begins in December and is a time of preparation for Christmas.
  • In Japan, the 'Shinto' tradition leads people to perform rituals in December to purify their spirits for the New Year.

Origin of 'december'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'December' comes from the Latin word 'decem', meaning 'ten', as it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar.
  • When January and February were added to the calendar, December became the twelfth month but kept its original name.

The word 'December' has its origins in the Latin word 'decem', which means ten. In the ancient Roman calendar, December was actually the tenth month of the year. Over time, the calendar was adjusted to add January and February, making December the twelfth month. This change in position explains why its name still reflects its original order. December is known for its winter festivities, including Christmas and New Year's Eve, making it a month of celebration and reflection for many cultures around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,328 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.