Sometime: meaning, definitions and examples

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sometime

 

[ ˈsʌmˌtaɪm ]

Adverb / Noun
Context #1 | Adverb

adverb of time

On certain occasions; at times but not always.

Synonyms

at times, from time to time, occasionally, on occasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sometime

Use this when referring to an unspecified time in the future or past.

  • Let's meet sometime next week
  • He visited the city sometime in the 90s
occasionally

This word is used when something happens infrequently or at irregular intervals.

  • I occasionally eat out at restaurants
  • Occasionally, they host parties at their house
at times

This phrase is used to indicate that something happens occasionally or now and then.

  • The job can be very stressful at times
  • She feels lonely at times
from time to time

This phrase is used to describe something that happens occasionally but not regularly.

  • We go hiking from time to time
  • From time to time, he checks in with his old friends
on occasion

This phrase is similar to 'occasionally' and denotes something that happens now and then.

  • She calls her parents on occasion
  • On occasion, he goes fishing

Examples of usage

  • Sometimes I go for a run in the morning.
  • She gets up early sometimes.
  • I sometimes wonder if I made the right choice.
  • He can be very annoying sometimes.
  • Sometimes it's better to stay silent.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

An unspecified or unknown time.

Synonyms

at some point, eventually, one day, sooner or later.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sometime

Used when referring to an unspecified time in the future or past. It doesn't indicate urgency.

  • Let's grab lunch sometime.
  • She worked there sometime last year.
at some point

Used when you know that something will happen but you don't know exactly when. It often implies inevitability.

  • We all have to face our fears at some point.
  • At some point, we need to discuss our future plans.
eventually

Used to indicate that something will happen after a period of time, usually longer than expected. Often implies a gradual process.

  • Eventually, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
  • If you keep practicing, you'll get better eventually.
one day

Used to talk about a future moment in time, often when daydreaming or making plans. It can be vague or optimistic.

  • One day, I'll travel the world.
  • He hopes to publish a book one day.
sooner or later

Used to imply that something will definitely happen, but the exact timing is unknown. Often carries a sense of inevitability.

  • Sooner or later, you'll need to tell him the truth.
  • Everything wears out sooner or later.

Examples of usage

  • He will arrive sometime next week.
  • They plan to meet sometime in the afternoon.
  • Let's have dinner sometime soon.
  • We'll have to catch up sometime.
  • Can we discuss this sometime later?

Translations

Translations of the word "sometime" in other languages:

🇵🇹 algum tempo

🇮🇳 कभी-कभी (kabhi-kabhi)

🇩🇪 irgendwann

🇮🇩 kadang-kadang

🇺🇦 іноді

🇵🇱 kiedyś

🇯🇵 いつか (itsuka)

🇫🇷 parfois

🇪🇸 a veces

🇹🇷 bazen

🇰🇷 때때로 (ttettaero)

🇸🇦 أحيانًا (aḥyānan)

🇨🇿 někdy

🇸🇰 niekedy

🇨🇳 有时 (yǒushí)

🇸🇮 včasih

🇮🇸 stundum

🇰🇿 кейде

🇬🇪 ზოგჯერ (zogjer)

🇦🇿 bəzən

🇲🇽 a veces

Etymology

The word 'sometime' originated in Middle English, combining the words 'some' and 'time'. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to an unspecified or unknown time. Over the years, its usage expanded to include the adverbial sense of 'on certain occasions'. Today, 'sometime' is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts to indicate a periodic or indeterminate time.

See also: some, someone, someone's, something, somewhat.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,857 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.