time
time
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "time" is /taɪm/.
/taɪm/
Word Form Variations
Noun: time (singular, often uncountable), times (plural)
Verb: time (base form), times (third person singular present), timing (present participle), timed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: time (used attributively, e.g., "time capsule," "time limit") - no comparative/superlative forms.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.
Synonyms: duration, existence, eternity, epoch, era, continuum
Antonyms: timelessness, eternity (if distinct from progression), standstill
Definition 2: A point of time as measured in hours and minutes past midnight or noon.
Synonyms: hour, moment, minute, second, instant, point
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific measurement)
Definition 3: A period of duration, often specifically marked by certain conditions or events.
Synonyms: period, era, epoch, age, season, interval, spell
Antonyms: moment (as brief), timelessness
Definition 4: An instance of an action or event occurring.
Synonyms: instance, occasion, turn, occurrence, repetition
Antonyms: never, non-occurrence, rarity
Definition 5: (Often plural "times") One's experiences during a particular period.
Synonyms: experiences, circumstances, conditions, fortunes, situation
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; perhaps "future" or "unchanged state")
Definition 6: (In music) The rhythm or tempo of a piece.
Synonyms: rhythm, tempo, beat, meter, pulse
Antonyms: out of sync, irregular, offbeat
Verb
Definition 1: To measure the duration of (an event or activity).
Synonyms: measure, clock, gauge, rate, regulate
Antonyms: mis-time, rush, overlook (duration)
Definition 2: To schedule or arrange (an event or action) to happen at a particular moment or period.
Synonyms: schedule, arrange, plan, set, coordinate, orchestrate
Antonyms: unplanned, unscheduled, spontaneous, improvise
Definition 3: To perform an action or set an action to happen at a specific moment or rhythm.
Synonyms: synchronize, regulate, coordinate, pace
Antonyms: un-time, mis-time, disconnect (rhythm)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to duration or specific periods. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: chronological, temporal, periodic
Antonyms: timeless, eternal
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859)
"The scientist theorized about the nature of time travel, exploring paradoxes and possibilities." (From a science fiction novel, e.g., The Time Machine by H.G. Wells)
"The book offers practical strategies for managing your time effectively to boost productivity." (From a non-fiction book on self-help or business management)
Newspapers:
"The Central Bank of Kenya announced the new exchange rates effective from 9:00 AM this morning." ("Business Daily Africa," July 2025) - Implies "time" of day.
"Despite repeated warnings, the government missed its target for economic growth, again running out of time." ("The Standard," July 2025)
"For the first time in history, humans have observed a black hole merging with a neutron star." ("The New York Times," June 2025)
Online Publications:
"How to make the most of your free time: hobbies and activities for personal growth." (An article on a lifestyle blog, e.g., Lifehack.org, accessed July 2025)
"The app features a time-lapse photography mode, allowing users to capture subtle changes over long periods." (A tech review on "Engadget," accessed July 2025)
"Real-time updates on the stock market, available 24/7." (A feature on a financial news website, e.g., Bloomberg.com, accessed July 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Great Scott! This is heavy!" (Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, after witnessing time travel effects in Back to the Future, 1985)
Television Series: "Is it time for a commercial break already? Stay tuned!" (A common phrase used by TV hosts)
Song Lyrics: "No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions of the world." (Queen, "We Are the Champions," 1977)
Video Games: "Your mission has a strict time limit. Complete it before the countdown reaches zero." (In-game instruction, e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask)
Podcasts: "This week, we delve into the concept of linear versus cyclical time in ancient philosophies." (A podcast on philosophy or history, e.g., The Partially Examined Life)
General Public Discourse:
"What time is it?" (A very common question)
"I don't have enough time to finish all this work today." (A common complaint about workload)
"It's time to go home now." (A common statement indicating departure)
"We had a really good time at the party last night." (Describing an enjoyable experience)
"Can you time how long it takes me to run this lap?" (A request for measurement)
"For the first time, I feel truly happy." (Expressing a novel experience)
"In ancient times, people believed the Earth was flat." (Referring to a historical period)
10 Quotes Using Time
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." (Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address, 2005) - This quote mentions "matters" of the heart, which implicitly refers to something that takes "time" to find and develop.
"There's a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
"Lost time is never found again." (Benjamin Franklin)
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 1954)
"This, too, shall pass." (Often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but of ancient Persian origin) - Refers to the transient nature of "time" and difficulties.
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." (Michael Altshuler)
"Time heals all wounds." (Proverb, widely known)
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." (Chinese Proverb)
Etymology
The word "time" has a very ancient and fundamental origin in the English language.
It comes from the Old English word tīma.
This Old English word already meant "limited duration," "period," "appointed hour," or "season."
Tīma itself traces back to Proto-Germanic (tīmōn) and ultimately to an ancient Proto-Indo-European root (dī-, dai-), which had to do with "to divide" or "to cut." The idea here is that "time" is a "division" or "segment" of duration.
The first known use of "time" in English, with the meaning of "a measured or limited period" or "an appointed moment," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). It has been a core concept and word in the language for over a thousand years, reflecting how humans perceive and measure the continuous flow of existence.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Time
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "time":
At the same time: Simultaneously; concurrently.
Big time: (Informal) To a great extent; very much; or referring to a period of great success.
Time and again: Repeatedly; often.
Time flies: Time passes very quickly.
Time is money: Time is a valuable resource and should not be wasted.
Behind the times: Old-fashioned; outdated.
Ahead of one's time: Having ideas or qualities that are too advanced to be appreciated in one's own era.
Kill time: To do something to pass the time while waiting.
Once upon a time: A traditional opening for fairy tales, meaning long ago.
Against the clock: Rushing to complete something before a deadline.
For the time being: For now; temporarily.
In the nick of time: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
Take your time: Don't rush; proceed at your own pace.
A race against time: A situation where one must complete a task very quickly before a deadline. (Synonymous with "against the clock")
To buy time: To delay an event or decision to gain an advantage.
Hard times: A period of difficulty or hardship.
To have the time of one's life: To have an extremely enjoyable experience.
It's about time: Expressing that something should have happened sooner.
Out of time: Having no time left; too late.
On time: Punctually; at the scheduled moment.
Time's up!: An announcement that a time limit has expired.
A period of reflection: A moment or interval for thoughtful consideration. (Synonymous with "a time to think")
To beat the clock: To complete a task before the deadline. (Synonymous with "finishing in time")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of time from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
