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time
/taɪm/
progress of events
Time flies when you're having fun.
The phrase describes how time seems to pass quickly during enjoyable moments.
general
The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole
We don't have enough time to finish the project.
The speaker notes a lack of available duration to complete the task.
Time heals all wounds.
The saying suggests that emotional pain diminishes over time.
Used in both abstract and concrete contexts (e.g., 'a long time' vs. 'three times a day').
general
A point or period when something occurs
It's time for dinner.
The phrase indicates the appropriate moment for the meal.
Often paired with 'for' (e.g., 'time for bed').
informal
To schedule or arrange something to occur at a particular moment
Can you time the meeting for 3 PM?
The speaker requests scheduling the event at a specific hour.
Common in planning contexts (e.g., 'time your arrival').
technical
The measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues
In physics, time is a fundamental dimension.
The statement describes time as a core component of spacetime.
In physics, time is often contrasted with space.
Collocations
in timeearly enoughon timepunctuallyfor the time beingtemporarilytime managementorganizing one's scheduletime zonegeographical region with uniform time
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'time' vs. 'times'
'Time' (singular) refers to the concept of duration, while 'times' (plural) can mean instances or instances of multiplication (e.g., 'three times a week').
Gold Rule
Use 'time' for abstract concepts
When referring to the general idea of hours/days passing, use 'time' (e.g., 'Time is precious').
Use 'a time' for specific periods
When referring to a particular duration, use 'a time' (e.g., 'a long time ago').
Word Origin
Old English 'tīma', from Proto-Germanic '*tīmô' (time, season), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European '*di-m-' (to divide). Related to Old Norse 'tími' and Dutch 'tijd'.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'time' is uncountable in most contexts (e.g., 'I have time') but countable when referring to instances (e.g., 'three times a day'). As a verb, it often implies synchronization or measurement.
Word Breakdown
time
the whole word
rootEnglish Dictionary