time

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English Vietnamese dictionary

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Advanced English dictionary

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noun, verb
+ noun
-see also TIMES
minutes / hours / years, etc.
1 [U] what is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc: The changing seasons mark the passing of time. + A visit to the museum will take you back in time to the 1930s. + time and space + As time went by we saw less and less of each other. + Perceptions change over time (= as time passes). + They say that time heals all wounds.
2 [U] the time shown on a clock in minutes and hours: What time is it / What's the time? + (BrE) What time do you make it? + (AmE) What time do you have? + Do you have the time? + The time is now half past ten. + (BrE) Can she tell the time yet (= say what time it is by looking at a clock)? + (AmE) Can she tell time yet? + My watch keeps perfect time (= always shows the correct time). + Look at the time! We'll be late. + This time tomorrow I'll be in Canada.
3 [U] the time measured in a particular part of the world: Greenwich Mean Time + 6 o'clock local time
See also - STANDARD TIME, SUMMER TIME
4 [U, C] ~ (to do sth)
~ (for sth) the time when sth happens or when sth should happen: What time do you finish work? + The baby loves bath time. + I think it's time to go to bed. + It's time the kids were in bed. + It's time for lunch. + A computer screen shows arrival and departure times. + The train arrived right on time (= at exactly the correct time). + By the time you get there the meeting will be over. + You'll feel differently about it when the time comes (= when it happens). + Have I called at a bad time? Shall I call back later? + This is hardly the time to discuss politics. + The promotion came at just the right time for me. + We stock six different beers at any one time.
See also - ANY TIME, CLOSING TIME, NIGHT-TIME, OPENING TIME
period
5 [U] ~ to do sth an amount of time; the amount of time available to work, rest, etc: Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. + He spends most of his time working. + She doesn't have much free / spare time. + I can probably make the time to see them. + Sorry, I can't spare the time. + What a waste of time! + We have no time to lose (= we must hurry). + It takes time to make changes in the law. + I didn't finish the test-I ran out of time. + Time's up-have you worked out the answer yet? + He never takes any time off (= time spent not working). + Jane's worked here for some time (= for a fairly long period of time). + Do you take time out for yourself at least once a day? + Do it now please-not in three hours' time (= three hours from now). + The journey time is two hours. + I don't want to take up too much of your precious time. + What's the hurry? We have all the time in the world. + We got to the airport with time to spare.
6 (a time) [sing.] a period of time, either long or short, during which you do sth or sth happens: His injuries will take a long time to heal. + Did you have to wait a long time to see the doctor? + I lived in Egypt for a time. + The early morning is the best time of day. + Her parents died a long time ago. + At one time (= at a period of time in the past) Emily was my best friend. + Mr Curtis was the manager in my time (= when I was working there).
7 [U, pl.] a period of history connected with particular events or experiences in people's lives: The movie is set at the time of the Russian revolution. + in ancient / Victorian times + the violent times we live in (= the present period of history) + the politician who promised 'peace in our time' + Times are hard for the unemployed. + Times have changed since Grandma was young. + At some time in the future there will be a cure for Aids.
See also - OLD-TIME
occasion / event
8 [C] an occasion when you do sth or when sth happens: Every time I hear that song I feel happy. + It doesn't matter if you don't win every time (= every time you play). + Next time you're here let's have lunch together. + He failed his driving test three times. + He's determined to pass this time. + When was the last time you saw her? + (spoken) How many times (= how often) do I have to tell you not to do that? + (especially AmE) I remember one time (= once) we had to abandon our car in the snow. + (formal) At no time did I give my consent to the plan.
Help Note: To talk about the first or the last time you do sth, use the first / last time (that) I ...: This is the first time (that) I've been to London. + This is the first time for me to go to London. + That was the last time (that) I saw her.
9 [C] an event or occasion that you experience in a particular way: Did you have a good time in Spain? + I had an awful time in the hospital. + Mike and I shared some really good times.
for race
10 [C, U] how long sb takes to run a race or complete an event: The winner's time was 11.6 seconds. + She completed the 500 metres in record time (= faster than any previous runner). + one of the fastest times this year
in music
11 [U] the number of BEATS in a BAR of music: This piece is in four-four time. + a slow waltz time + The conductor beat time with a baton.
12 [U] the correct speed and rhythm of a piece of music: Try and dance in time to the music (= with the same speed and rhythm). + Clap your hands to keep time (= sing or play with the correct speed and rhythm). + to play in / out of time (= follow / not follow the correct speed and rhythm) + He always plays in perfect time.
See also - BIG TIME, SMALL-TIME
Idioms: (and) about time (too)
(and) not before time (spoken) used to say that sth should have happened before now
against time if you do sth against time, you do it as fast as you can because you do not have much time: They're working against time to try and get people out of the rubble alive.
ahead of / behind time earlier/later than was expected: We finished 15 minutes ahead of time.
ahead of your time having advanced or new ideas that other people use or copy later
all the time
the whole time
1 during the whole of a particular period of time: The letter was in my pocket all the time (= while I was looking for it).
2 very often; repeatedly: She leaves the lights on all the time.
at all times always: Our representatives are ready to help you at all times.
at the best of times even when the circumstances are very good: He's never very happy at the best of times-he'll be much worse now!
at the same time
1 at one time; together: She was laughing and crying at the same time.
2 used to introduce a contrasting fact, etc. that must be considered: You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic.
at a time separately or in groups of two, three, etc. on each occasion: We had to go and see the principal one at a time. + She ran up the stairs two at a time.
at my, your, his, etc. time of life at the age you are (especially when you are not young): Eyesight doesn't get any better at my time of life.
at times sometimes: He can be really bad-tempered at times. + The rain will become heavy at times in the afternoon.
before my, your, his, etc. time
1 happening before you were born or can remember or before you lived, worked, etc. somewhere: 'Were you taught by Professor Pascal?' 'No, he was before my time.'
2 before the usual time in sb's life when sth happens: She got old before her time.
behind the times old-fashioned in your ideas, methods, etc.
do time (informal) to spend time in prison
every time whenever there is a choice: I don't really like cities-give me the countryside every time.
for the time being for a short period of time but not permanently: You can leave your suitcase here for the time being.
from time to time occasionally but not regularly: She has to work at weekends from time to time.
have a lot of time for sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to like and be interested in sb/sth: I've always had a lot of time for Mary.
have no time for sb/sth
not have much time for sb/sth (informal) to dislike sb/sth: I have no time for lazy people like Steve.
have the time of your life (informal) to enjoy yourself very much
have time on your hands
have time to kill (informal) to have nothing to do or not be busy
in good time early; with enough time so that you are not in a hurry
(all) in good time (spoken) used to say that sth will be done or will happen at the appropriate time and not before: Be patient, Emily! All in good time.
in (less than / next to) no time so soon or so quickly that it is surprising: The kids will be leaving home in no time.
in time after a period of time when a situation has changed: They learned to accept their stepmother in time.
in time (for sth / to do sth) not late; with enough time to be able to do sth: Will we be in time for the six o'clock train? + The ambulance got there just in time (= to save sb's life).
in your own (good) time (informal) when you are ready and not sooner: Don't hassle him! He'll do it in his own good time.
in your own time in your free time and not when you usually work or study
it's about / high time (spoken) used to say that you think sb should do sth soon: It's about time you cleaned your room!
keep up / move with the times to change and develop your ideas, way of working, etc. so that you do what is modern and what is expected
make good, etc. time to complete a journey quickly: We made excellent time and arrived in Spain in two days.
many a time
many's the time (that) ... (old-fashioned) many times; frequently
nine times out of ten
ninety-nine times out of a hundred used to say that sth is usually true or almost always happens: Nine times out of ten she gives the right answer.
(and) not before time = (AND) ABOUT TIME (TOO)
(there is) no time like the present (saying) now is the best time to do sth, not in the future
of all time that has ever existed: Many rated him the best singer of all time.
See also - ALL-TIME
take your time (over sth)
take your time to do sth / doing sth
1 to use as much time as you need without hurrying: There's no rush-take your time.
2 used to say you think sb is late or is too slow in doing sth: You certainly took your time getting here!
time after time
time and (time) again often; on many or all occasions: You will get a perfect result time after time if you follow these instructions.
time and a half one and a half times the usual rate of pay: We get time and a half on Sundays.
See also - DOUBLE TIME
time is on your side used to say that sb can wait for sth to happen or can wait before doing sth
(the) next, first, second, etc. time round on the next, first, etc. occasion that the same thing happens: He repeated none of the errors he'd made first time round. + This time round it was not so easy.
time was (when) ... (old-fashioned) used to say that sth used to happen in the past: Time was when you could go for a walk in the country and not see another person for miles.
time (alone) will tell
only time will tell used to say that you will have to wait for some time to find out the result of a situation: Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful.
the whole time = ALL THE TIME
more at BEAT v., BIDE, BORROW, BUY v., CALL v., COURSE n., DAY, DEVIL, EASY adj., FORTH, FULLNESS, GAIN v., GIVE v., HARD adj., HIGH adj., KILL v., LONG adj., LOST adj., LUCK n., MARK v., MATTER n., MOVE v., NICK n., OLD, ONCE adv., PASS v., RACE n., SIGN n., STITCH n., SWEET adj., THIN adj., THIRD, WHALE
+ verb
arrange time
1 [often passive] to arrange to do sth or arrange for sth to happen at a particular time: [VN] She timed her arrival for shortly after 3. + Their request was badly timed (= it was made at the wrong time). + 'I hope we're not too early.' 'You couldn't have timed it better!' + [VN to inf] Publication of his biography was timed to coincide with his 70th birthday celebrations.
measure time
2 to measure how long it takes for sth to happen or for sb to do sth: [VN] The winner was timed at 20.4 seconds. + 'How long does it take to get to Leeds from here?' 'I don't know, I've never timed it.' + [V wh-] Time how long it takes you to answer the questions.
in sport
3 [VN] to hit or kick a ball at a particular moment in a sports game: She timed the pass perfectly. + a beautifully timed shot
See also - ILL-TIMED, MISTIME, TIMING, WELL TIMED

Thesaurus dictionary

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n.

1 period, interval, stretch, spell, patch:

I was going through a bad time when we last met.

2 period, interval, stretch, while, span, space, term, duration:

It is a long time since I have seen you. In the time I took to write this, she had vanished.

3 hour; point, moment:

What time is it? At what time is our appointment?

4 age, period, epoch, era, lifetime, heyday, day(s):

The novel is set in the time of the Caesars.

5 opportunity, chance, occasion:

You must make time to visit your mother.

6 experience:

I had a wonderful time at your party.

7 tempo, beat, rhythm, metre, measure:

They are playing 'Teddy Bears' Picnic' in march time.

8 ease, leisure; convenience:

He'll be there in his own time.

9 Often, times. life, things, circumstance, conditions, everything, culture, mores, habits, values:

How times have changed since we were young!

10 ahead of time. (bright and) early, prematurely, beforehand, in good time:

He arrived ahead of time and had to wait.

11 all the time. always, ever, constantly, continuously, continually, perpetually, at all times, without surcease, unceasingly:

Mother is after me all the time to do my homework.

12 at one time.

(a) once, once upon a time, on one occasion, previously, in days of yore, formerly, heretofore, in the (good) old days:

At one time you thought me beautiful.

(b) simultaneously, (all) at once, at the same time, together, all together, in unison:

The car can only carry five people at one time.

13 at the same time.

(a) all the same, nonetheless, yet, even so, but, however, be that as it may, nevertheless, notwithstanding, just the same:

I love her; at the same time, I cannot live with her.

(b) See 12 (b), above.

14 at times. from time to time, occasionally, (every) now and then, once in a while, on occasion, every so often, at intervals, sometimes, Colloq every so often:

At times, Ingrid would come over and cook dinner for me.

15 behind the times. old-fashioned, outdated, dated, outmoded, antiquated, passé, obsolescent, obsolete, Colloq old hat, dead:

Isn't 'The Lambeth Walk' a bit behind the times?

16 for the time being. for now, for the present, for the moment, meanwhile, temporarily, pro tempore, pro tem, Archaic for the nonce:

He has been appointed chairman for the time being.

17 in no time. at once, forthwith, straightaway, immediately, quickly, speedily, without delay, swiftly:

The pizza we ordered was delivered in no time.

18 in time.

(a) in timely fashion, early, in good time, in the nick of time:

The doctor arrived in time to save the baby.

(b) soon, one of these days, sometime, someday, one day, eventually, sooner or later, anon:

In time, people might be living on the moon.

19 on time.

(a) punctually, on the dot, in good time:

He is never on time for his appointments.

(b) in instalments, on terms, on account, on credit, Colloq Brit on the never-never, on hire purchase or h.p.:

We bought the car on time.

20 take (one's) time. dawdle, dilly-dally, shilly-shally, delay, linger, loiter:

He's certainly taking his time with his report.

21 time and again. again (and again), repeatedly, (over and) over again, time and time again, time after time, frequently, often, many times, on many occasions:

Time and again I warned him he'd get a ticket if he parked there.

v.

22 schedule, set, regulate, control:

The trains are timed to arrive five minutes apart.

23 schedule, set, organize, adjust, fix:

She timed her entrance to coincide exactly with the crash of the cymbals.

Collocation dictionary

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¹ what is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc.

TIME + VERB

elapse, go by, pass

As time went by we saw less and less of each other. The changing seasons mark the passing of time.

| fly

How time flies!

| drag

Time drags in this job.

| heal sth

Time heals all wounds.

PREP.

in ~

The world exists in time and space.

| over ~

Perceptions change over time.

| through ~

travel through time

PHRASES

the mists of time

The origins of this custom are lost in the mists of time.

² time shown on a clock

ADJ.

good, perfect

My watch keeps good time.

| local

The attacks were launched at 9 p.m. local time.

| British Summer, Greenwich Mean, etc.

VERB + TIME

tell

Can your son tell the time yet?

| have

Have you got the time?

| make

What time do you make it?

| look at

Look at the time! We'll be late.

| keep

PREP.

ahead of/behind … ~

two hours behind Central European Time

PHRASES

this time tomorrow, etc.

This time tomorrow I'll be in Canada.

| time in/of the morning/afternoon/evening, time of (the) night/year, time of day

³ time when sth happens/should happen

ADJ.

peak

There are extra buses at peak times.

| closing, opening | arrival, departure

VERB + TIME

fix, set

We need to fix a time for the next meeting.

TIME + VERB

come

You'll feel differently about it when the time comes.

PREP.

ahead of ~

Check the programme ahead of time.

| behind ~

The plane took off an hour behind time.

| by the ~

By the time you get there the meeting will be over.

| in ~

We got home in time to see the end of the match.

| on ~

The trains are rarely on time.

⁴ amount of time

ADJ.

considerable, long | little, short | reasonable | precious

We're wasting precious time.

| idle | free, leisure, spare | journey, travel, travelling | lead, waiting

There is a long lead time between order and delivery of the product.

VERB + TIME

have

Have you got time for a chat? I had no time to think.

| give sb/sth

I can certainly do the job if you give me time.

| take (sb)

It takes time to make changes in the law. It took her a long time to read the report.

Take your time (= take as much time as you like).

| spend

She spends much of her time reading. | kill, pass, while awayIt helps to pass the time.

| fritter away, idle away | devote, put

She devotes all her spare time to gardening. He put all his time into the show.

| allow

They didn't allow much time for discussion.

| find, make

I can never find time to write letters. I can probably make the time to see them.

| wait

We had to wait some time before the bus arrived.

| gain, save

You would save time with a dishwasher.

| waste | lose, run out of

We have no time to lose (= we must hurry). I didn't finish the test?I ran out of time.

| be pressed for/short of | be out of | play for

Not knowing what to do, she played for time by going to the bathroom.

TIME + VERB

be up, run out

Sorry, your time is up.

TIME + NOUN

period, scale, span | limit | lag

PREP.

at a ~

He surfs the Internet for hours at a time.

| for a ~

I lived there for a time.

| in ~

You'll get used to the work in time.

| over/with ~

Her skills improved with time.

PHRASES

all in good time

(= sth will happen when the time is right)Be patient, Emily! All in good time.

| all the time/the whole time

The letter was in my pocket all the time (= while I was looking for it). She leaves the lights on all the time (= always/repeatedly).

| a battle/race against time

Finishing the book was a race against time.

| if time permits

We will discuss this matter later, if time permits.

| in the fullness of time

(= when the time is right, usually after a long period),

in good/plenty of time

Get to the airport in good time (= plenty of time before the plane leaves).

| in next to no time/in no time at all, in ten minutes', three hours', etc. time

I'll be back in ten minutes' time.

| in your own (good) time

(= taking as long as you want/need),

a length of time

Have you lived abroad for any length of time?

| most of the time, a period of time, some/a long time ago

Her parents died a long time ago.

| a waste of time

What a waste of time!

⁵ (often times) period in the past/present

ADJ.

good, great, happy | bad, difficult, hard, rough, sad, troubled, unhappy

Times are hard for the unemployed.

| ancient, early, former, old

in ancient times

| modern, recent | medieval, prehistoric, etc.

VERB + TIME

have

We had a great time at the party.

TIME + VERB

change

Times have changed since Grandma was young.

PREP.

at a/the~

He lived at the time of the French Revolution. At one time Mary was my best friend.

| before your ~

The Beatles were before my time.

| in your ~

Mr Curtis was the manager in my time (= when I was working there).

| in ~s

in times of trouble

PHRASES

from/since time immemorial

(= for a very long time),

of all time

the greatest footballer of all time

| a sign of the times, time was when

Time was when (= there was a time when)we never needed to lock our house at night.

⁶ occasion

ADJ.

that, this

I'm determined to pass this time.

| last

When was the last time you saw her?

| another, next

Next time you're here let's have lunch together.

| one | each, every

Every time I hear that song I feel happy.

| appropriate, good, suitable

Is this an appropriate time to discuss my salary?

| appointed, right | bad, wrong

This would be a bad time to tell her.

| first, second, etc. | umpteenth | countless

I've told you countless times.

VERB + TIME

bide

We'll have to bide our time until the rain stops.

TIME + VERB

come

Your time will come.

| be ripe

The time is ripe for revolution.

PREP.

at a/the ~

The lift can take four people at a time. At the time of writing, a ceasefire is under discussion. Hot water is available at all times. He can be rather moody at times.

| by the ~

She'll have gone by the time we get there.

| for the … ~

I told her not to do it for the umpteenth time.

| ~ for

It's time for a break.

PHRASES

at the present time, for the time being

(= temporarily),

a number of times, X times out of X

three times out of ten

⁷ when you experience sth in a particular way

ADJ.

enjoyable, fun, good, grand, great, marvellous, pleasant, splendid, wonderful

It was a fun time for us girls.

| awful, dreadful, horrible, miserable, sad, terrible

VERB + TIME

have

Did you have a good time in Spain?

⁸ time taken in a race, etc.

ADJ.

fast | record

He completed the course in record time.

VERB + TIME

clock up, record

She clocked up one of the fastest times of the year.

⁹ musical rhythm

ADJ.

march, waltz | double, quick | four-four, three-four, etc.

VERB + TIME

beat, keep

The conductor beat time with a baton.

TIME + NOUN

signature

PREP.

in/out of ~ (to/with)

clapping in time to the music

Concise English dictionary

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times|timed|timingtaɪm
noun
+an instance or single occasion for some event
+an indefinite period (usually marked by specific attributes or activities)
+a period of time considered as a resource under your control and sufficient to accomplish something
+a suitable moment
+the continuum of experience in which events pass from the future through the present to the past
+the time as given by a clock
+the fourth coordinate that is required (along with three spatial dimensions) to specify a physical event
+a person's experience on a particular occasion
+rhythm as given by division into parts of equal duration
+the period of time a prisoner is imprisoned
verb
+measure the time or duration of an event or action or the person who performs an action in a certain period of time
+assign a time for an activity or event
+set the speed, duration, or execution of
+regulate or set the time of
+adjust so that a force is applied and an action occurs at the desired time

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