O’clock: meaning, definitions and examples

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o’clock

[əˈklɒk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

time

Used to specify the exact time when something should happen. It is a contraction of 'of the clock'.

Synonyms

exactly, sharp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
o’clock	Used to indicate the exact hour when telling time. It is typically used in informal or everyday conversation. We will meet at 5 o’clock. The party starts at 8 o’clock.
sharp	Used to indicate exactness in time with a sense of urgency or importance. It gives a strict or definitive timeline. The train leaves at 7 o’clock sharp, don't be late. Dinner will be served at 6 PM sharp.
exactly	Indicates precise accuracy and is used not only in the context of time but also to emphasize the correctness or preciseness of any statement or detail. The meeting starts at exactly 2 PM. That’s exactly what I was thinking.

Word

Description / Examples

o’clock

Used to indicate the exact hour when telling time. It is typically used in informal or everyday conversation.

We will meet at 5 o’clock.
The party starts at 8 o’clock.

sharp

Used to indicate exactness in time with a sense of urgency or importance. It gives a strict or definitive timeline.

The train leaves at 7 o’clock sharp, don't be late.
Dinner will be served at 6 PM sharp.

exactly

Indicates precise accuracy and is used not only in the context of time but also to emphasize the correctness or preciseness of any statement or detail.

The meeting starts at exactly 2 PM.
That’s exactly what I was thinking.

Examples of usage

The meeting is at 3 o'clock.
I'll meet you at 6 o'clock sharp.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

An informal way of referring to a point in time, especially when emphasizing punctuality or a specific time.

Synonyms

hour, time.

Examples of usage

We should be there at 8 o'clock.
Don't be late, we agreed on 9 o'clock.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'O’clock' is a contraction of 'of the clock,' which dates back to the 14th century.
The use of 'o’clock' began to become common as mechanical clocks were invented and became widely used in homes.
Originally, people often referred to times with a reference to a specific clock, leading to the phrase 'of the clock' to clarify the time.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, specific times of the day are associated with activities; for example, noon signifies lunch and midnight often signals a day’s end.
In storytelling and fairy tales, the phrase ‘o’clock’ can create a magical moment, such as 'At midnight, all the clocks struck.'
Some languages have unique terms for certain times, showing how cultures perceive time—like 'five o'clock tea' in British culture.

Psychology

Time perception can affect mood and productivity, with many people feeling more energetic during the day compared to night.
The way we organize our tasks around certain 'o’clock' times can lead to better time management and less stress.
Research shows that our brains form habits based on time cues, reinforcing routines linked to specific hours of the day.

Literature

Literature often uses precise times for dramatic effect, such as 'At three o'clock, everything changed.'
Famous writers have highlighted the importance of time in their work, with 'o’clock' often serving as a plot device or setting the scene.
The phrase 'it's five o'clock somewhere' is popular in song lyrics, emphasizing the idea of time in a carefree, escapist way.

Science

The concept of measuring time has evolved from sundials to atomic clocks, highlighting the precision required in today's society.
The Earth's rotation defines a day, creating standard times like noon and midnight based on when the sun is at its highest or lowest point.
Time zones were established to standardize 'o’clock' around the world, reflecting how interconnected the globe is today.

Translations

Translations of the word "o’clock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em ponto

🇮🇳 बजे

🇩🇪 Uhr

🇮🇩 tepat

🇺🇦 о годині

🇵🇱 punkt

🇯🇵 時

🇫🇷 heure

🇪🇸 en punto

🇹🇷 saat

🇰🇷 시

🇸🇦 بالضبط

🇨🇿 hodina

🇸🇰 hodina

🇨🇳 点

🇸🇮 točno

🇮🇸 klukkan

🇰🇿 сағат

🇬🇪 საათი

🇦🇿 saat

🇲🇽 en punto