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Hourly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hourly

[ˈaʊərli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

time frequency

The term 'hourly' refers to something that occurs every hour. This could relate to jobs, payments, or check-ins that happen at an interval of one hour. It implies a regularity and timeliness in actions or events that are performed on an hourly basis. For instance, hourly wages denote the amount of money earned for each hour of work, reflecting a payment schedule based on time.

Synonyms

cyclical, regular, timely.

Examples of usage

  • She works as an hourly employee at the café.
  • He gets paid hourly for his freelance projects.
  • The bus schedule has hourly departures.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Timekeeping

  • Clocks and watches were invented to divide the day into hours, allowing for more structured schedules and time management.
  • The concept of hourly activities became essential during the Industrial Revolution, influencing labor practices and factory schedules.
  • Today, many apps and systems send hourly reminders to help manage time effectively.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, how time is divided can differ; some prioritize hourly activities more than others.
  • Certain professions, like taxi driving or consulting, often use hourly rates, further emphasizing the importance of time in work.
  • Public transport schedules around the world commonly operate on an hourly basis, influencing everyday life.

Psychology

  • Research shows that having regular hourly breaks can boost productivity and mental well-being.
  • Psychologists have found that humans naturally tend to plan tasks in hourly increments for better organization.
  • Time perception can vary; for some, an hour might feel short and for others, long, depending on the activity.

Technology

  • Modern notifications often mimic hourly rituals, reminding users to check in or take breaks regularly.
  • Many digital applications allow users to set hourly reminders, assisting in time management and staying on task.
  • The evolution of smart devices has made it easier to track hourly activities seamlessly.

Origin of 'hourly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'Å«r', meaning hour, and the suffix '-ly' which indicates frequency.
  • It was first used in English around the 14th century to describe events occurring every hour.
  • Related terms include 'hour' (a unit of time) and 'hourglass' (a device for measuring time).

The word 'hourly' originates from the root 'hour,' which comes from the Latin 'hora,' referring to a specific period of time or a division of the day. The transformation into the adjective form happened through Middle English, where 'hour' was utilized to denote the 60-minute period we recognize today. Over time, 'hourly' began to be used in various contexts, including scheduling, pricing, and frequency of occurrences. As timekeeping became a more established practice, especially during the industrial era, the term 'hourly' gained prominence in describing wages, work shifts, and transportation schedules, emphasizing the importance of hourly measurement in daily life.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,239 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.