Time: meaning, definitions and examples
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time
[ taɪm ]
measurement of duration
Time is a measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues. It is a dimension in which events occur in a sequence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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time |
Used as a general measurement or point on a clock or calendar.
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duration |
Refers to the length of time something lasts or continues.
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period |
Denotes a length of time with a specific start and end, often longer or more significant than 'interval.'
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interval |
Signifies a specific space of time between two events or points in time.
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Examples of usage
- Time seemed to pass slowly as they waited for the test results.
- She couldn't believe how quickly time had flown by during the party.
point in the past, present, or future
Time can refer to a particular point in the past, present, or future when something happened, is happening, or will happen.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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time |
Use 'time' when referring to the ongoing passage of existence and events. It is a broad term that can refer to days, hours, minutes, or any other segment of temporal measurement.
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moment |
Use 'moment' to describe a very brief period, usually highlighting its importance or uniqueness. This term often captures something significant or emotional.
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occasion |
Use 'occasion' when referring to a special event or a specific time when something happens. It often has a formal or celebratory connotation.
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instance |
Use 'instance' when talking about a specific example or occurrence of something. This word often implies that there are other similar examples.
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Examples of usage
- We had a great time at the beach last summer.
- I'm looking forward to the time when we can all be together again.
plan or schedule
To time something is to plan, schedule, or arrange it to occur at a particular moment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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time |
Use this word when referring to the general concept of time or when discussing specific durations or moments.
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schedule |
This word is useful when you are arranging specific times for events or activities, often in a formal or structured manner.
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plan |
Use 'plan' when you are creating a detailed proposal for achieving something in the future, involving steps or actions.
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arrange |
This word is best used when you are organizing or setting up something, such as an event or meeting.
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Examples of usage
- She timed her arrival at the party perfectly.
- We need to time the release of the product with the holiday season.
Translations
Translations of the word "time" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tempo
🇮🇳 समय
🇩🇪 Zeit
🇮🇩 waktu
🇺🇦 час
🇵🇱 czas
🇯🇵 時間 (じかん)
🇫🇷 temps
🇪🇸 tiempo
🇹🇷 zaman
🇰🇷 시간 (시간)
🇸🇦 وقت
🇨🇿 čas
🇸🇰 čas
🇨🇳 时间 (时间)
🇸🇮 čas
🇮🇸 tími
🇰🇿 уақыт
🇬🇪 დრო
🇦🇿 vaxt
🇲🇽 tiempo
Etymology
The word 'time' originates from the Old English word 'tīma', which means 'a limited period of time'. It has evolved over centuries to become a fundamental concept in measuring the sequence of events. Time has been a subject of philosophical and scientific inquiry, leading to various theories and understandings of its nature.
See also: overtime, sometimes, timeframe, timekeeper, timeless, timeline, timeliness, timely, timepiece, timer, times, timetable, timetabling, timeworn, timing, untimely.