Part-time: meaning, definitions and examples

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part-time

 

[ ˈpɑːrt taɪm ]

Adjective / Adverb
Expressions and time
Context #1 | Adjective

work

Employed to work, used, expected to function, etc., less than the usual or full time.

Synonyms

half-day, half-time, half-time job.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
part-time

This word is commonly used to describe employment or academic programs that do not require full-time commitment. It can be used in many formal and informal settings.

  • She works part-time as a teacher.
  • I'm a part-time student studying for my master's degree.
half-time

This word is typically used in sports to refer to the halfway point in a game or match. It is also sometimes used in the context of employment, but it's less common.

  • The team was leading at half-time.
  • He works half-time and studies the rest of the day.
half-day

Used mainly to describe a period of time, usually referring to work or school, that lasts half of the usual full day. It is often heard when discussing schedules or making plans.

  • We have a half-day at school tomorrow.
  • I took a half-day off to go to the dentist.
half-time job

This phrase is less common and might sound awkward in some contexts. It may be used to specify a job that requires half the usual amount of working hours.

  • She found a half-time job at a local café.
  • His half-time job helps him balance work and studies.

Examples of usage

  • She works part-time at the grocery store.
  • He is a part-time employee in the company.
Context #2 | Adverb

work

For only part of one's working hours.

Synonyms

half-day, half-time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
part-time

Best used to describe a job or work schedule where someone works fewer hours than a full-time employee. Generally implies working on certain days or only a few hours each day.

  • She works part-time as a librarian.
  • He decided to take a part-time job to have more free time.
half-time

Typically associated with sports to signify the midpoint break in a game. It can also be used in the context of work or study to denote a schedule that is roughly half the time of a full-time commitment.

  • The soccer team regrouped during half-time.
  • She is enrolled as a half-time student this semester.
half-day

Used to describe an event, activity, or work schedule that lasts only a half of a typical full day. Often used in contexts such as school schedules, activities, or specific work arrangements.

  • The workshop will run for just a half-day.
  • We need to attend a half-day training session.

Examples of usage

  • She works part-time and studies full-time.
  • He can only work part-time due to his other commitments.

Translations

Translations of the word "part-time" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meio período

🇮🇳 आंशिक समय

🇩🇪 Teilzeit

🇮🇩 paruh waktu

🇺🇦 неповний робочий день

🇵🇱 na pół etatu

🇯🇵 パートタイム

🇫🇷 temps partiel

🇪🇸 a tiempo parcial

🇹🇷 yarı zamanlı

🇰🇷 파트타임

🇸🇦 دوام جزئي

🇨🇿 na částečný úvazek

🇸🇰 na čiastočný úväzok

🇨🇳 兼职

🇸🇮 polovični delovni čas

🇮🇸 hlutastarf

🇰🇿 жартылай жұмыс уақыты

🇬🇪 ნახევარ განაკვეთზე

🇦🇿 yarım iş günü

🇲🇽 a tiempo parcial

Etymology

The term 'part-time' originated in the early 20th century and is a combination of the words 'part' and 'time'. It gained popularity as the workforce diversified and more flexible working arrangements became common. Part-time work allows individuals to balance other commitments such as education, family, or personal pursuits. Today, part-time employment is prevalent in various industries and is valued for its flexibility and work-life balance benefits.