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Hour: meaning, definitions and examples

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hour

 

[aʊər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement of time

A period of time equal to one twenty-fourth of a day and night and divided into 60 minutes.

Synonyms

60 minutes, time unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hour

Used in everyday language to measure a period of time equal to 60 minutes.

  • We have a meeting in an hour
  • She worked for eight hours today
60 minutes

Used in a descriptive or more formal context, often for precision or when explaining something to make it clear.

  • The movie lasts for 60 minutes
  • It takes 60 minutes to bake this cake
time unit

Used in academic, scientific, or technical contexts to explain or measure periods of time.

  • An hour is a time unit used in daily life
  • Researchers measured the reaction time in time units

Examples of usage

  • The meeting will start in half an hour.
  • She wakes up every morning at six o'clock on the dot.
Context #2 | Noun

specific time of day

A particular point in time, especially when something happens or is planned to happen.

Synonyms

moment, time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hour

Used similarly to the first 'hour', referring to the same concept of 60 minutes. It indicates a specific time period in daily activities.

  • My lunch break is one hour long.
  • She worked an hour overtime.
time

A more general term used to talk about the ongoing continuum of events. Can refer to hours, days, years, or any duration.

  • What time is it?
  • We had a great time at the party.
moment

Refers to a very short period of time, usually used when something happens quickly or suddenly. It's also used to stress the importance of a brief period.

  • I'll be there in a moment.
  • This is a moment I'll never forget.

Examples of usage

  • The concert will begin at eight o'clock.
  • We usually have lunch at one o'clock.
Context #3 | Noun

duration

A period of time used for various situations such as work, travel, or a specific activity.

Synonyms

length of time, time period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hour

This term is typically used when referring to a specific time on a clock or watch, particularly in expressions related to the time of day.

  • It's 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
  • We have lunch at 1 o'clock.
time period

This term is suitable for describing a span of time which often has historical, project-based, or longer duration significance. It's commonly used in academic, professional, and historical discussions.

  • The Renaissance was a highly influential time period.
  • The project will be completed within a time period of six months.
length of time

This phrase is used when the exact duration is not specified, focusing more on the experience or impact of the time. It is often seen in more formal or literary contexts.

  • The length of time spent on the project was considerable.
  • Over a length of time, his skills improved significantly.

Examples of usage

  • She worked for several hours on the project.
  • The flight from London to New York takes about seven hours.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hour' comes from the Old French 'oure', which was borrowed from the Latin 'hora', meaning time.
  • In ancient cultures, the hour was often divided into smaller parts based on the movement of the sun.
  • The concept of dividing the day into 'hours' originated with the Egyptians using sundials to track time.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, people celebrate the end of the hour with chimes or bells that ring to mark time.
  • The 'happy hour' concept in restaurants and bars highlights socializing during a specific time, emphasizing community and relaxation.
  • In modern times, the hour is often associated with productivity, where specific work hours are set for efficiency.

Science

  • An hour is a measurement of time in the International System of Units, equivalent to 1/24th of a day.
  • Astronomically, an hour is divided into 60 minutes, each with 60 seconds, highlighting the intricate nature of time measurement.
  • The concept of standard time zones was established primarily to help people coordinate activities across different locations globally.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people's perception of time can vary, with an hour feeling longer or shorter based on activities or engagement.
  • The 'hourglass effect' is a psychological phenomenon where time seems to slow down during stressful situations.
  • Time management techniques often emphasize the importance of hourly planning for increased productivity and reduced procrastination.

Literature

  • Many literary works use the passage of time as a central theme, often marking significant moments by the hour.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, time is frequently measured and referenced in hours, shaping the narrative and character decisions.
  • In poetry, the 'hour' is often used as a metaphor for fleeting moments, highlighting the transience of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "hour" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hora

🇮🇳 घंटा

🇩🇪 Stunde

🇮🇩 jam

🇺🇦 година

🇵🇱 godzina

🇯🇵 時間 (じかん)

🇫🇷 heure

🇪🇸 hora

🇹🇷 saat

🇰🇷 시간 (시간)

🇸🇦 ساعة

🇨🇿 hodina

🇸🇰 hodina

🇨🇳 小时 (xiǎoshí)

🇸🇮 ura

🇮🇸 klukkustund

🇰🇿 сағат

🇬🇪 საათი (saati)

🇦🇿 saat

🇲🇽 hora

Word Frequency Rank

At #710 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.