Due date Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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due date

[ˈdjuː ˌdeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

assignment completion

The date on which something is due, especially a payment.

Synonyms

deadline, expiry date, submission date.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due date

Often used in academic or project management settings to indicate when an assignment or project needs to be completed.

  • The due date for the term paper is next Monday.
  • Please make sure to submit your project by the due date.
deadline

Commonly used in professional and work environments to emphasize a strict time limit for completing tasks.

  • The deadline for the report is Friday at 5 PM.
  • Missing the deadline could result in serious consequences.
expiry date

Typically used for products, especially food and medicine, to indicate the last date they are considered safe to use.

  • Check the expiry date on the milk before drinking it.
  • The medicine should not be used past its expiry date.
submission date

Used to specify the date by which something needs to be formally turned in, often in academic or official settings.

  • The submission date for the application is August 30th.
  • Please note the submission date on the project's guidelines.

Examples of usage

  • The due date for the project is next Friday.
  • Please make sure to submit your assignment before the due date.
Context #2 | Noun

pregnancy

The estimated date for childbirth, calculated as 40 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period.

Synonyms

birth date, delivery date.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due date

Often used in contexts related to deadlines or the expected delivery of a project, assignment, or bill payment.

  • The due date for the assignment is next Monday.
  • Make sure to pay the rent by the due date.
delivery date

Commonly used in the context of shipping and receiving goods, or to specify the expected date of childbirth.

  • The delivery date for your package is scheduled for next Tuesday.
  • Her doctor told her the delivery date is November 10th.
birth date

Used to refer to the specific day, month, and year when a person was born.

  • Her birth date is April 15th, 1990.
  • Please enter your birth date on the form.

Examples of usage

  • Her due date is in December.
  • The doctor confirmed the due date for the baby.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In schools, due dates help students manage their time and learn responsibility by ensuring tasks are completed on time.
  • Assignments without a due date can lead to procrastination, as students may not prioritize their work effectively.
  • Understanding due dates is crucial for students to develop planning skills that are essential for academic success.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, due dates are significant for planning events, like baby showers or birthday parties, around an expected arrival.
  • The due dates of babies are often calculated based on the mother's last menstrual period, adding a cultural aspect to pregnancy.
  • In the workplace, due dates can reflect a company's culture; strict deadlines may signify a fast-paced environment, while flexible ones indicate a more relaxed atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that individuals tend to work better under pressure, making approaching due dates a critical factor in productivity.
  • The psychological concept of the 'deadline effect' illustrates how people often delay tasks until just before the due date, impacting their stress levels.
  • Understanding the psychology behind due dates can help in creating strategies to manage time and reduce anxiety linked to deadline approaches.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, due dates are often used as plot devices to create tension or urgency, such as in pregnancy-related stories.
  • The term 'due date' is popularized in movies and TV shows that revolve around family and relationships, emphasizing its widespread relevance.
  • Songs and popular media often reference the anticipation and anxiety of approaching due dates, reflecting shared human experiences.

Origin of 'due date'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'due' comes from the Latin word 'debere', meaning 'to owe', emphasizing something that is owed or expected.
  • The word 'date' originates from the Latin 'data', meaning 'given', which reflects its role in identifying a specific time.
  • Together, 'due date' highlights a time by when something is expected to be completed or provided.

The term 'due date' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'due' (owed or owing as a debt) and 'date' (a particular day of the month or year). It initially referred to the date by which a debt or payment was expected to be made. Over time, the term expanded to encompass various deadlines and estimated dates, such as pregnancy due dates.