October
October
Pronunciation
October
IPA: /ɒkˈtoʊbər/
Syllable Breakdown:
Oc-: /ɒk/
-to-: /toʊ/
-ber: /bər/
Word Form Variations
The word "October" primarily functions as a noun. As the name of a specific month, it does not typically have plural forms, verb forms, adjective forms, or adverb forms in standard English usage.
Singular Noun: October
There are no common plural, verb, adjective, or adverb forms of "October."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A specific calendar month: The tenth month of the Gregorian calendar, consisting of 31 days, recognized for its autumnal characteristics in the Northern Hemisphere and spring characteristics in the Southern Hemisphere.
Synonyms: Tenth month
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific month name)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The leaves in New England turn vibrant colors in October, signaling the onset of cooler weather." (From a novel about seasonal changes)
"Her birthday was always a source of joy, falling as it did in early October, a perfect time for outdoor celebrations."
Newspapers:
"Housing Market Sees Modest Gains in October Amidst Interest Rate Stability" (The Wall Street Journal)
"Local schools plan various community events throughout October to celebrate autumn." (The Daily Herald)
Online Publications:
"Our comprehensive guide to cybersecurity awareness month, observed every October, is now live." (Forbes.com)
"Travel experts predict a surge in international tourism for October due to favorable weather conditions in many popular destinations." (LonelyPlanet.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series: "This season of the historical drama will conclude with a two-part finale set in October of 1944." (Promotional material for a TV show)
Film: "The film's most iconic scene takes place during a rainy October afternoon in London."
Music Album Title: October (Album by U2, 1981)
Podcast: "In this month's episode, we discuss the economic forecast for the fourth quarter, beginning with October's key indicators." (A financial podcast)
Video Game Release: "The highly anticipated sequel is slated for an October release, just in time for the holiday season."
General Public Discourse:
"I'm really looking forward to October this year; the weather is usually perfect for hiking." (Casual conversation)
"We're planning to take a family vacation to the mountains in October." (Family discussion)
"Don't forget to vote in the local elections this October." (Community announcement)
10 Quotes Using October
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." (L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables)
"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny days, with such delightful silence and repose, prevail over New England, as in early October." (Henry David Thoreau, Walden)
"He loved October. The crisp, cool air, the turning leaves, the smell of woodsmoke, the crackle of burning logs in the fireplace." (Stephen King, 'Salem's Lot)
"October is a symphony of permanence and change." (Bonaro Overstreet)
"In October, a maple tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days, its presence is a warm reassurance." (John Burroughs, Leaf and Tendril)
"This is October and there will be miracles in this month." (Unknown)
"But October knows the end is near." (Unknown)
"It was a bright cold day in October, and the clocks were striking thirteen." (George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four)
"October is the fallen leaf, but it is also the wider horizon." (Hal Borland)
"A grand, glorious day in October; leaves turning, the sun warm but not hot, the air crisp and clean." (From an observation of autumn weather)
Etymology
The word "October" comes from Latin.
"Octo-" means "eight."
"-ber" is a suffix that was commonly used for month names in Latin.
So, October literally means "eighth month."
The first known use of "October" with this meaning dates back to the Roman calendar. Originally, the Roman calendar only had ten months, starting in March. This meant that what we now call October was indeed the eighth month in their system.
Even after the Romans added January and February to the beginning of the year, making October the tenth month, they kept the original name based on its position in the older calendar. This is similar to how "September" (seventh month), "November" (ninth month), and "December" (tenth month) also kept their names, even though they no longer match their numerical prefixes in our current calendar.
Phrases + Idioms Containing October
"October surprise": A significant, unexpected event occurring in October, especially one that could influence the outcome of an election.
"Red October": Often refers to a period of intense political or social change, especially with revolutionary overtones, or simply a particularly memorable or dramatic October. (Derived from the Soviet Union's October Revolution).
"The colors of October": Refers to the vibrant autumn foliage typically seen in October.
"An October chill": Describes the distinct cool and crisp air characteristic of autumn.
"Going for an October dip": (Original phrase) Suggesting a swim in cold water, characteristic of October temperatures in some regions.
"October's golden light": (Original phrase) Evokes the soft, warm sunlight often experienced in October.
"To be in the late autumn of one's years": (Idiom with synonym) Meaning to be in old age, similar to how October is late in the year.
"A crisp autumn day": (Phrase with synonym) Describes weather typical of October.
"Turning over a new leaf in autumn": (Idiom with synonym) Metaphorically starting fresh, often associated with the seasonal change in autumn.
"Falling leaves of October": (Original phrase) A descriptive phrase referring to the characteristic shedding of leaves.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of October from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
