Time is a fundamental concept in everyday life, and mastering the vocabulary related to it is essential for effective communication in English. This guide explores some of the most basic and useful English words and phrases connected to time, going beyond simply telling the time (see “Telling Time in English” for more on that). From general expressions and units of time to specific times of day and figurative language, these terms will enhance your ability to understand and participate in basic conversations. Whether you’re describing the duration of an event, pinpointing a moment in history, or using common idioms, this list provides a strong foundation for navigating time-related topics in English.

Words and phrases related to time

Some of the most basic vocabulary in English includes words for the days, months, seasons, and time. Learning these terms will greatly help in understanding basic conversations in English. This list goes deeper than just learning how to tell time (see also, “Telling time in English“).

General time expressions

• Chronology: The arrangement of events in the order in which they occurred.
• Duration: The length of time something lasts.
• Epoch: A particular period of time in history.
• Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time.
• Era: A period of time characterized by a particular set of facts or events.
• Eternal: Lasting forever.
• Instantaneous: Happening immediately.
• Interval: A period of time between events.
• Momentary: Lasting for a very short time.
• Temporal: Relating to time.

Units of time

• Second: A unit of time.
• Minute: A unit of time equal to 60 seconds.
• Hour: A unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
• Day: A period of 24 hours.
• Week: A period of seven days.
• Month: A period of approximately 30 or 31 days.
• Year: A period of approximately 365 days.
• Decade: A period of ten years.
• Century: A period of 100 years.
• Millennium: A period of 1000 years.

Time of day

• Dawn: The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Noon: The middle of the day (12:00 PM).
• Dusk: The time of day immediately after sunset.
• Twilight: The period of time after sunset when the sky is still lit.
• Midnight: The middle of the night (12:00 AM).

Speed of time

• Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time.
• Fleeting: Passing quickly.
• Transient: Temporary; lasting only for a short time.

Figurative language

• In the nick of time. This means just before the last possible moment; at the very last minute.
• Find time for… Time is treated as a valuable resource that needs to be searched for and acquired.
• Kill time. Time is personified as an enemy that can be “killed” or wasted. This implies a dismissive or unproductive use of time.
• Make time for… Time is treated as something that can be created or shaped, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing and allocating time for specific activities.
• Take your time. This phrase encourages someone to not rush and to proceed slowly and carefully.
• Time flies when you’re having fun. Time is compared to something that flies, emphasizing its swift and fleeting nature.
• Time heals all wounds. Time is compared to a healer, suggesting that with the passage of time, emotional pain and suffering will gradually diminish.
• Time is of the essence. This means that time is very important and that something needs to be done quickly.
• Time waits for no man. this emphasizes that time keeps moving forward regardless of our individual circumstances or desires.
• Time will tell. This is a wise saying that suggests the truth or outcome of something will become apparent with the passage of time.

• Don’t forget to check out the articles on days, months, and seasons.

In summary

This guide covers a wide range of English vocabulary related to time, including general expressions like “duration” and “epoch,” units of time such as “second” and “millennium,” and specific times of day like “dawn” and “midnight.” It also delves into descriptions of time’s speed—words like “ephemeral” and “transient”—and introduces figurative phrases such as “time flies when you’re having fun” and “time heals all wounds.” These terms and expressions not only help in practical situations but also enrich your understanding of how time is perceived and discussed in English. For more details, explore related topics like “How to tell time in English” and “Prepositions of time.”