Afternoon is a term that is commonly used to refer to the time period between noon and evening. This is a time when people have already had their lunch and are preparing for the rest of the day. The term afternoon is used in various contexts, ranging from work schedules to social interactions. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of the term afternoon.
Definitions
The term afternoon is defined as the time period between noon and evening. It is the period when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The length of the afternoon varies depending on the location and time of year. In some cultures, the term afternoon is used to refer to the entire period between noon and sunset.
Origin
The word afternoon comes from the Old English word “aftan” which means “after.” The word “noon” is derived from the Latin word “nona” which means “ninth hour.” In ancient Rome, the ninth hour was considered to be around 3 pm, which is close to the modern definition of afternoon.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Oxford English Dictionary defines afternoon as “the time between noon and evening.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the part of the day between noon and sunset.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the period of the day between noon and early evening.”.
Associations
Afternoon is often associated with relaxation, as it is the time when people take a break from work or school. It is also associated with socializing, as people often meet up with friends or family during this time. In some cultures, afternoon is associated with siestas or naps.
Synonyms
The synonyms of afternoon include midday, noon, daytime, and daylight.
Antonyms
The antonyms of afternoon include morning and evening.
The same root words
The same root words as afternoon include “aftan” and “noon.”.
Example Sentences
- I usually take a nap in the afternoon.
- Let’s meet up for coffee in the afternoon.
- Afternoon is my favorite time of day.
- I have a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.
- The sun is shining bright this afternoon.
Afternoon is a term that is commonly used to refer to the time period between noon and evening. It is a time when people take a break from work or school and engage in social activities. The term has its roots in Old English and Latin and has been used for centuries to describe this period of the day. As we have seen, afternoon is associated with relaxation, socializing, and siestas. It is a time when people can recharge their batteries and prepare for the rest of the day.