April
April
Pronunciation
April
/ˈeɪprəl/
A- /eɪ/ (as in "day")
-pril /prəl/ (as in "petal" with a "pr" blend)
Word Form Variations
"April" is primarily used as a proper noun, so its variations are limited.
Singular: April (referring to the fourth month of the year)
Possessive: April's (e.g., "April's showers")
There are no common plural or verb forms for "April" in its standard usage as a month name.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, consisting of 30 days. It is often associated with the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and is known for its changeable weather.
Synonyms: N/A (as it's a unique proper noun)
Antonyms: N/A (as it's a unique proper noun)
Definition 2 (Figurative): A period of fresh beginnings, renewal, or early flourishing, often with an underlying sense of unpredictability or potential for sudden change.
Synonyms: springtime, dawn, inception, nascent period
Antonyms: autumn, decline, end, twilight
Examples of Use
Books:
"The Canterbury Tales begins in April, as pilgrims gather to make their journey to Canterbury." (Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales)
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." (George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four)
"Every year, on the first of April, we would play elaborate pranks on each other." (Fictional example, but common theme in many children's books)
Newspapers:
"Temperatures across the region are expected to rise significantly by mid-April, signalling an early start to summer." (The New York Times, specific article unavailable, but representative of common meteorological reporting)
"The local council announced that the new park will officially open to the public on April 15th." (The Guardian, specific article unavailable, but representative of local news announcements)
Online Publications:
"Five essential gardening tasks to complete in April for a flourishing summer garden." (Better Homes & Gardens website, general topic)
"Tech giant reports record profits for the first quarter ending in April." (The Verge, specific article unavailable, but representative of financial news)
"Our comprehensive guide to the best travel destinations in April, from cherry blossoms in Japan to beach escapes in the Caribbean." (Lonely Planet website, general travel guide topic)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Music: "April Love" (Pat Boone song, 1957)
Film: "Pieces of April" (2003 film starring Katie Holmes)
Television: "The office will be closed on April 1st for the holiday." (Common announcement in TV shows set in an office environment)
Video Games: "The next major content update for 'Stardew Valley' is scheduled for release in late April." (Common type of developer announcement on gaming forums or social media)
Social Media: "Counting down the days until April when I can finally wear my spring wardrobe!" (Common user post on platforms like Instagram or X/Twitter)
Podcasts: "In this week's episode, we discuss the historical significance of events that took place in April of 1865." (Common use in history or educational podcasts)
General Public Discourse:
"My birthday is in April, so I'm always looking forward to spring." (Common casual conversation)
"Are you going to be around in April? We're planning a get-together." (Common planning phrase in social interactions)
"Remember, taxes are due by April 15th!" (Common reminder in conversations about personal finance)
"We're hoping for an early spring this year, maybe by late April." (Common wish or prediction in conversations about weather)
10 Famous Quotes Using April
"April is the cruellest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land..." — T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land
"Sweet April showers do spring May flowers." — Thomas Tusser
"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything." — William Shakespeare, Sonnet 98
"April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go." — Christopher Morley
"April comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers." — Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year." — Mark Twain
"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. April is proof of that." — Hal Borland
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." — George Orwell, 1984
"Every tear is answered by a blossom, every sigh with songs and laughter blent; April-blooms upon the breezes toss them..." — Lucy Larcom
"April is a promise that May is bound to keep." — Hal Borland
Etymology
The word "April" comes from the Latin word Aprilis. However, the exact reason why the Romans named the month this way isn't perfectly clear, and there are a couple of main theories:
"To Open" Theory: One popular idea is that "Aprilis" is related to the Latin verb aperire, which means "to open." This makes a lot of sense because April is the time when flowers and tree buds "open" up, and nature really starts to come alive after winter. It's a very fitting description for the spring season.
Goddess Connection Theory: Another strong theory is that "Aprilis" is linked to the Etruscan goddess Apru, who was their version of the Greek goddess Aphrodite (and the Roman goddess Venus). Since April was a month sacred to Venus and was a time of fertility and new life, it's quite possible the month was named in her honor.
First Known Use and Meaning:
The Latin term Aprilis was used by the ancient Romans for this month. In English, the word "April" started appearing in its Latin form before the 12th century. Initially, in Old English, the month was sometimes called Eastermonaþ (Easter month), referring to the goddess Eostre. But over time, the Latin-derived "April" became the standard.
So, in essence, "April" has always referred to the fourth month of the year, and its name likely reflects either the "opening" of spring or a connection to a goddess of love and fertility, both of which beautifully capture the essence of this vibrant time of year.
Phrases + Idioms Containing April
April showers bring May flowers. (Common proverb)
April Fool's Day: The first day of April, traditionally a day for playing harmless practical jokes.
To be an April fool: To be the victim of a prank on April Fool's Day.
Like an April day: Describing something or someone that is changeable, unpredictable, or displays varying moods, much like April weather.
The cruelest month: A literary reference to T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, where April is portrayed as a time of painful awakening.
In the April of one's life: Referring to the springtime or early flourishing period of a person's life, implying youth, vitality, or a time of growth.
An April in December: (Original phrase) Suggesting an unexpected or unseasonable period of warmth, joy, or growth in a challenging or late stage.
Full of April and sunshine: (Original phrase) Describing someone or something bright, optimistic, and full of life.
To bloom like April: (Lesser-known, metaphorical) To thrive, flourish, or develop rapidly and beautifully, much like spring blossoms.
April's promise: (Original phrase) Referring to the hopeful anticipation of new beginnings and growth that the month symbolizes.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of April from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
