time

¹time

noun \ˈtīm\

Definition of TIME

1

a : the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : duration b : a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future c : leisure <time for reading>

2

: the point or period when something occurs : occasion

3

a : an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end <arrived ahead of time> b : an opportune or suitable moment <decided it was time to retire> —often used in the phrase about time <about time for a change>

4

a : a historical period : age b : a division of geologic chronology c : conditions at present or at some specified period —usually used in plural <times are hard> <move with the times> d : the present time <issues of the time>

5

a : lifetime b : a period of apprenticeship c : a term of military service d : a prison sentence

6

: season <very hot for this time of year>

7

a : rate of speed : tempo b : the grouping of the beats of music : rhythm

8

a : a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar <what time is it> b : any of various systems (as sidereal or solar) of reckoning time

9

a : one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions <you've been told many times> b plural (1) : added or accumulated quantities or instances <five times greater> (2) : equal fractional parts of which an indicated number equal a comparatively greater quantity <seven times smaller> <three times closer> c : turn <three times at bat>

10

: finite as contrasted with infinite duration

11

: a person's experience during a specified period or on a particular occasion <a good time> <a hard time>

12

a : the hours or days required to be occupied by one's work <make up time> <on company time> b : an hourly pay rate <straight time> c : wages paid at discharge or resignation <pick up your time and get out>

13

a : the playing time of a game b : time-out 1

14

: a period during which something is used or available for use <computer time>

— at the same time

: nevertheless, yet <slick and at the same time strangely unprofessional — Gerald Weaks>

— at times

: at intervals : occasionally

— for the time being

: for the present

— from time to time

: once in a while : occasionally

— in no time

: very quickly or soon

— in time

1

: sufficiently early

2

: eventually

3

: in correct tempo <learn to play in time>

— on time

1

a : at the appointed time

b : on schedule

2

: on the installment plan

— time and again

: frequently, repeatedly

Examples of TIME

1. The two events were separated by time and space.
2. The poem is a reflection on the passage of time.
3. What was happening at that particular moment in time?
4. It has been that way since the beginning of time.
5. If only I could travel back in time and do things differently.
6. They were given a relatively short amount of time to finish the job.
7. The situation has been getting more complicated as time goes by .
8. happening for an extended period of time
9. Would you prefer the meeting to be at an earlier time?
10. Feel free to call me at any time, day or night.

Origin of TIME

Middle English, from Old English tīma; akin to Old Norse tīmi time, Old English tīd — more at tide

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TIME

Synonyms: moment, occasion

Related Words: flash, instant, jiffy, minute, second, shake, split second, trice, twinkle, wink; bit, space, spell, stretch, while

Near Antonyms: bore, bummer, bust, downer, drag

see all synonyms and antonyms

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