afternoon etymology

Etymology:

The word "afternoon" is derived from the Middle English phrase "after none," which literally means "after noon." "Noon" comes from the Old English word "nōn," which is cognate with the Latin "nōna," meaning the ninth hour of the day.

Meaning and Origin:

  • Meaning:

    The afternoon is the period of the day from noon to sunset. It is typically considered to be the time of day between 12 pm and 6 pm.

  • Origin:

    The division of the day into specific time periods has a long history. The concept of the "afternoon" as a distinct part of the day originated in the medieval period in Europe.

    In medieval times, the day was typically divided into three main parts:

    • Morning: From sunrise to noon
    • Afternoon: From noon to sunset
    • Evening: From sunset to bedtime

    The midday meal, known as "dinner," was traditionally served around noon. After dinner, people would often engage in work, chores, or leisure activities during the afternoon hours.

    The term "afternoon" was first recorded in English in the late 13th century. It initially referred to the period of time between noon and the evening meal. Over time, the term came to refer to the period from noon to sunset.

afternoon relate terms

  • after

    Etymology Etymology derives from two Greek words étymos true or real lógos

  • noon

    Etymology The word noon comes from the Old English word nōn meaning the ninth hou

  • nine

    Origin Old English nigon from Proto West Germanic newun from Proto Germanic newu

  • mid afternoon

    Etymology Mid Middle English Meaning in the middle or intermediate Afternoon

  • afternoon

    Etymology The word afternoon is derived from the Middle English phrase after none w

  • cenacle

    Etymology and Meaning Origin Latin coenaculum meaning dining room or upper room M

  • undern

    Etymology The word undern has its roots in the Old English word under meaning below

  • luncheon

    Etymology The word luncheon comes from the Middle English word noncheoun which was i

  • moment

    Etymology Derived from Latin momentum meaning movement impetus or weight Originate

  • clearing house

    Etymology Clearing noun open area in a forest 13th century House noun buildin

  • breakfast

    Etymology The word breakfast originated in the early 15th century Middle English term

  • journalism

    Etymology The word journalism comes from the Middle French word journalisme which i

  • daylight

    Etymology The word daylight is derived from two Old English words dag day leo

  • salutation

    Etymology The term salutation is derived from the Latin word salutatio which means