PM
Definitions and Meaning in English
- PM (Post Meridiem) – Refers to the time between 12:00 noon and 11:59 at night in the 12-hour clock system.
- Used to denote the period of the day that occurs after midday.
History and Origin
The term “PM” comes from Latin post meridiem, which translates to “after midday.” The use of “AM” (Ante Meridiem, or “before midday”) and “PM” is part of the 12-hour clock system that divides the 24-hour day into two periods: the first from 12:00 midnight to 11:59 AM (AM), and the second from 12:00 noon to 11:59 PM (PM). This system has been in use since ancient times, and the abbreviations were later adopted in many countries around the world for clarity in timekeeping.
Detailed Explanation
“PM” represents the time that occurs after 12:00 noon (midday) and continues until midnight, marking the second half of the day. For example, 3:00 PM is three hours after noon, and 11:00 PM is one hour before midnight. The use of “PM” helps differentiate between morning (AM) and afternoon/evening (PM) times, particularly in the 12-hour clock system, where the same numerical hours are used for both periods (e.g., 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM). This distinction allows for clearer communication of time, especially in regions that use the 12-hour format.
Example Sentences
- The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM, right after lunch.
- The concert starts at 7:00 PM, so we’ll leave around 6:30.
- She plans to call me at 8:00 PM when she finishes work.
- The train departs at 2:30 PM, so we need to be there early.
- They arrived at the party at 9:00 PM, just in time for dinner.
- The event will be broadcast live at 10:00 PM on national television.
- We will meet at 5:00 PM to discuss the project details.
- The store closes at 11:00 PM, so we should hurry.
- The flight is scheduled to land at 11:30 PM, according to the airport’s website.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Afternoon – Refers to the time between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when daylight typically lasts.
- Evening – The time period from around 5:00 PM to night, often considered the later part of the PM.
- Noon – The time exactly at 12:00 PM, marking midday.
- Dusk – The time after sunset in the evening, when the sky starts to darken, often occurring during the PM period.
- Twilight – The period of time after sunset and before it gets completely dark, typically occurring in the PM.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- AM – Refers to the time between midnight and 12:00 noon, marking the first half of the day.
- Midday – Another term for 12:00 PM, the time exactly halfway through the day.
- Sunset – The time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon, usually occurring in the PM period.
- Night – The time after 6:00 PM when the day transitions to darkness.
- Clock – A device used to measure and display time, which often uses the 12-hour format with AM and PM distinctions.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- 24-hour clock – A timekeeping system that divides the day into 24 hours, used to avoid the need for AM/PM.
- Time zone – A region in which the local time is the same, and typically includes both AM and PM distinctions.
- Daylight saving time – A practice where clocks are adjusted to make better use of daylight in the evening, affecting the PM hours.
- Hour – A unit of time that corresponds to one of the 12 hours of the day, either AM or PM.
- Chronology – The study or arrangement of events in time, often considering AM and PM for clarity.
Antonyms
- AM
- Midnight
- Morning
- Dawn
- Sunrise