Times: meaning, definitions and examples

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times

 

[taɪmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement

A unit of time equal to the period of one rotation of the earth on its axis, or 24 hours.

Synonyms

day, hour, moment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
times

Used for referring to general periods or frequencies. Suitable when talking about how often something happens or specific events in history.

  • These are challenging times for everyone.
  • He has visited the park three times this week.
hour

Suitable for indicating a specific length of time lasting 60 minutes. Commonly used to plan or describe events of short duration within a day.

  • I'll be there in an hour.
  • The movie lasts for two hours.
day

Appropriate for referring to a 24-hour period, typically from midnight to midnight, or the period when it is light outside. Often used when planning daily activities or referring to specific days.

  • I will see you this Friday.
  • She has a meeting later in the day.
moment

Best used for very short, precise instances in time. Useful when highlighting the importance or suddenness of an event or experience.

  • Just a moment, please.
  • That was the happiest moment of my life.

Examples of usage

  • The clock shows the current time as 10:30 PM.
  • The train is scheduled to arrive at 3:45 PM.
  • She wakes up every morning at the same time.
Context #2 | Noun

occurrence

A particular moment in the continuum of time.

Synonyms

era, moment, period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
times

Replicated entry. Generally used to refer to the circumstances or conditions during a particular phase. Do not repeat.

moment

Refers to a very short period of time, often used to highlight specific, brief occurrences or experiences.

  • She cherished every moment of their vacation.
  • Please wait a moment while I retrieve your information.
period

Describes a length of time with specific boundaries, often used in academic, historical, or formal contexts.

  • The Renaissance period brought about a renewed interest in art and science.
  • His behavior improved significantly over a short period.
era

Used to denote a long and distinct period of history with specific characteristics or events. Often implies a significant or influential phase in history.

  • The Victorian era was marked by major social and technological changes.
  • We are currently living in the digital era.

Examples of usage

  • It was a time of great change in the country.
  • She remembered the good times they had together.
  • We are living in uncertain times.
Context #3 | Verb

measure

To measure the time taken by a process or activity.

Synonyms

clock, measure, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
times

Used to refer to the number of occurrences or instances something happens.

  • She read the book five times
  • You need to multiply these numbers three times
measure

Used to determine the size, amount, or degree of something typically using an instrument or device.

  • We need to measure the length of this table
  • The doctor will measure your blood pressure
record

Used to save information about something officially for future reference or to capture data.

  • You should record the meeting minutes
  • The temperature was recorded at 30 degrees today
clock

Used to refer to a device that shows the time or to measure the time it takes to do something.

  • Please check the clock; it's almost midnight
  • The runner was clocked at 10 seconds for the 100 meters

Examples of usage

  • He timed his run to see if he could beat his previous record.
  • She timed the cooking of the meal perfectly.
  • They timed the presentation to fit within the allocated slot.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'time' comes from the Old English 'tima' meaning a limited period, showing that we have understood time for many centuries.
  • In ancient civilizations, people used natural events, like the movement of the sun, to measure time long before clocks were invented.
  • The concept of measuring time shifted from a cyclical view, like seasons, to a linear perspective with the introduction of mechanical clocks.

Science

  • In physics, time is a dimension, similar to space, essential for understanding phenomena like motion and relativity.
  • Albert Einstein's theory of relativity transformed our understanding of time, showing it can stretch or contract based on speed and gravity.
  • Quantum mechanics introduces the idea that time may not be as straightforward as we perceive, with some theories suggesting time could be an illusion.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have various perspectives on time; for example, some societies view it linearly while others see it cyclically, emphasizing seasonal themes.
  • In mythology, time is often personified; the Greek god Chronos is depicted as an old man representing the relentless passage of time.
  • Various calendars around the world, such as the lunar and Gregorian calendars, showcase how different societies organize and understand time.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Doctor Who' and 'Back to the Future' explore time travel, captivating audiences with the possibilities of moving across time.
  • The phrase 'Time flies' is a common expression, used in songs and quotes, illustrating how quickly moments can pass.
  • Time is a central theme in literature, often symbolized as a river or a moving train, reminding us of its constant flow and change.

Psychology

  • Perception of time can change based on age and experiences; children often feel time goes slowly, while adults feel it speeds up.
  • Psychologists study how our perception of time can affect our mood and decision-making, such as stress making time feel slower.
  • The experience of 'time poverty' is common in our fast-paced world, where individuals feel they lack enough time for vital activities or rest.

Translations

Translations of the word "times" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vezes

🇮🇳 बार

🇩🇪 Mal

🇮🇩 kali

🇺🇦 рази

🇵🇱 razy

🇯🇵 回 (かい)

🇫🇷 fois

🇪🇸 veces

🇹🇷 kez

🇰🇷 번 (beon)

🇸🇦 مرات (marāt)

🇨🇿 krát

🇸🇰 krát

🇨🇳 次 (cì)

🇸🇮 krat

🇮🇸 sinnum

🇰🇿 рет

🇬🇪 ჯერ

🇦🇿 dəfə

🇲🇽 veces

Word Frequency Rank

With position #270, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.