Time: meaning, definitions and examples

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time

 

[ taɪm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

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

duration, interval, period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
time

Used as a general measurement or point on a clock or calendar.

  • What time is the meeting? It's time to go
duration

Refers to the length of time something lasts or continues.

  • The duration of the movie is two hours
  • The duration of the project will be six months
period

Denotes a length of time with a specific start and end, often longer or more significant than 'interval.'

  • The period of Renaissance lasted several centuries
  • There is a trial period of one month
interval

Signifies a specific space of time between two events or points in time.

  • We meet at regular intervals
  • There was an interval of ten minutes between the two songs

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

instance, moment, occasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • What time is it?
  • I didn't have enough time to finish my homework.
moment

Use 'moment' to describe a very brief period, usually highlighting its importance or uniqueness. This term often captures something significant or emotional.

  • Hold on for a moment.
  • That was a moment I'll never forget.
occasion

Use 'occasion' when referring to a special event or a specific time when something happens. It often has a formal or celebratory connotation.

  • We met on the occasion of their wedding.
  • This is a special occasion, so wear something nice.
instance

Use 'instance' when talking about a specific example or occurrence of something. This word often implies that there are other similar examples.

  • For instance, if you arrive late, you can’t join the meeting.
  • In this particular instance, we need to follow the rules closely.

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.
Context #3 | Verb

plan or schedule

To time something is to plan, schedule, or arrange it to occur at a particular moment.

Synonyms

arrange, plan, schedule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
time

Use this word when referring to the general concept of time or when discussing specific durations or moments.

  • We do not have enough time to complete this project.
  • What time is the meeting?
schedule

This word is useful when you are arranging specific times for events or activities, often in a formal or structured manner.

  • I have a busy schedule this week.
  • She needs to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
plan

Use 'plan' when you are creating a detailed proposal for achieving something in the future, involving steps or actions.

  • Do you have a plan for the weekend?
  • We need to plan our vacation carefully.
arrange

This word is best used when you are organizing or setting up something, such as an event or meeting.

  • Can you arrange the chairs in a circle?
  • I need to arrange a meeting with the client.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #30, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.