A1noun1K

Afternoon

UK /["/ˌɑːftəˈnuːn/"]/US /["/ˌæftərˈnuːn/"]/

Definition

the period of time from 12 o'clock in the middle of the day until about 6 o’clock in the evening

In simple words: The time of day between noon and evening.

Examples

  • I love going for a walk in the afternoon.
  • The meeting is scheduled for early afternoon.
  • She usually takes a nap in the afternoon.
  • In the afternoon, the sun shines brightly.
  • We will visit the museum in the afternoon.
  • The train arrives in the afternoon.
  • Many people go shopping on Saturday afternoon.

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday conversation, often to refer to plans or activities. More formal contexts might use 'afternoon' in written communication or scheduling.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'after noon' — it's the time following noon.

Collocations

  • this
  • tomorrow
  • yesterday
  • spend
  • progress
  • wear on
  • snack
  • tea
  • heat
  • by afternoon
  • during the afternoon
  • in the afternoon
  • an/​the afternoon off

Synonyms

  • post-noon
  • midday
  • lunch time

Antonyms

  • morning
  • night

Common mistakes

  • Using 'afternoon' with 'the' incorrectly in phrases like 'the afternoon' instead of just 'afternoon'.
  • Confusing 'afternoon' with 'evening', which is later in the day.
  • Forgetting to capitalize 'Afternoon' when used in a greeting like 'Good Afternoon'.