The word antemeridian is not a commonly used term in everyday conversation, but it has a specific meaning that is worth exploring. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of antemeridian, its origin, and its associations. We will also provide examples of how it can be used in a sentence.
Definitions
Antemeridian is an adjective that describes something that occurs before noon or in the morning. It is often abbreviated as “a.m.” and is used to indicate the time of day in the morning hours.
Origin
The word antemeridian comes from the Latin words “ante,” which means “before,” and “meridianus,” which means “midday.” The word was first used in English in the mid-17th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antemeridian means “occurring before noon.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “of or relating to the period before noon.”
Associations
Antemeridian is often associated with morning or the start of the day. It is commonly used to indicate the time of day when people wake up, have breakfast, and start their daily routines.
Synonyms
Synonyms of antemeridian include “morning,” “early,” “pre-dawn,” “pre-midday,” and “forenoon.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of antemeridian include “afternoon,” “evening,” “night,” and “midnight.”
The same root words
The same root words as antemeridian include “meridian,” which refers to the imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and divides the earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Another related word is “postmeridian,” which means “occurring after noon.”
Example Sentences
- I have a meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow, so I need to wake up early.
- The antemeridian mist gave the forest an eerie feeling.
- The restaurant only serves breakfast during antemeridian hours.
- I prefer to exercise in the antemeridian hours when it’s cooler outside.
- The antemeridian sun was just starting to rise over the horizon as we set out on our hike.
In conclusion, antemeridian is a word that is used to describe something that happens before noon or in the morning. It has Latin roots and is often associated with the start of the day. Its synonyms include “morning” and “early,” while its antonyms include “afternoon” and “night.”