The word “afternoon” is a fundamental part of everyday English, used to describe a specific time of day that holds both social and practical significance. Whether you’re scheduling a meeting or planning a leisurely break, understanding the afternoon meaning is essential for clear communication. This term effortlessly integrates into conversations, making it a key vocabulary word for learners and native speakers alike.
Definition (Meaning)
The term “afternoon” refers to the time of day between noon and evening, typically from around 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It represents the latter part of the daylight hours before the transition into night.
Synonyms
While “afternoon” doesn’t have many direct synonyms due to its specific time reference, phrases like “early evening” or “post-noon” can sometimes be used contextually to describe overlapping periods. However, these are not exact matches for the afternoon meaning.
Examples of afternoon in a Sentence
- I usually take a short nap in the afternoon to recharge for the rest of the day.
- We decided to meet for coffee on Saturday afternoon at the local café.
- The children played in the park all afternoon until the sun began to set.
Word History
The word “afternoon” originates from Middle English, derived from the phrase “after noon,” which literally means the time following midday. It combines “after,” meaning subsequent to, and “noon,” referring to midday, historically tied to the ninth hour of the day in older usage. Over time, as language evolved, “afternoon” became a single word in English to denote this specific period, reflecting its importance in daily life.