PM
PM is an abbreviation used to indicate the time from noon until just before midnight. It stands for the Latin phrase 'post meridiem,' which means 'after midday.'
Examples
3 of 5The movie starts at 8 PM tonight.
The movie starts at 8 PM tonight.
The official reception will conclude at 5 PM.
The official reception will conclude at 5 PM.
See you at 2 PM for coffee.
See you at 2 PM for coffee.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'P' in PM as 'Past' noon.
Quick Quiz
The sun usually sets around 7 ___ in the summer.
Correct!
The correct answer is: PM
Examples
The movie starts at 8 PM tonight.
everydayThe movie starts at 8 PM tonight.
The official reception will conclude at 5 PM.
formalThe official reception will conclude at 5 PM.
See you at 2 PM for coffee.
informalSee you at 2 PM for coffee.
The experiment results were recorded at 1 PM daily.
academicThe experiment results were recorded at 1 PM daily.
The project deadline is 3 PM on Friday.
businessThe project deadline is 3 PM on Friday.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
12 PM
12 PM (noon)
past 10 PM
past 10 PM
late PM
late PM
Often Confused With
AM refers to the time from midnight to noon, while PM is from noon to midnight.
In political news, PM is the abbreviation for Prime Minister, not the time of day.
Usage Notes
PM is always used after a number (e.g., 4 PM) and can be written in capitals, lowercase (p.m.), or small caps.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 12 PM with midnight; 12 PM is actually midday (noon).
Memory Tip
Think of the 'P' in PM as 'Past' noon.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'post meridiem,' meaning 'after midday.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The 12-hour clock (using AM/PM) is most common in the United States, Canada, and the UK, whereas many other countries prefer the 24-hour clock.
Quick Quiz
The sun usually sets around 7 ___ in the summer.
Correct!
The correct answer is: PM
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
A unit of time that is equal to sixty seconds. It is used to...
midnightMidnight is twelve o'clock at night, marking the transition...
clockA clock is a device used to measure, keep, and indicate time...
hourA unit of time that lasts for sixty minutes. There are twent...
scheduleA plan that lists events, tasks, or appointments along with...
More Time words
lifetime
A1A lifetime is the entire period of time that a person is alive. It can also refer to the length of time that an object, like a machine, works correctly.
Monday
A1Monday is the day of the week between Sunday and Tuesday. In many parts of the world, it is regarded as the first day of the working and school week.
Tuesday
A1Tuesday is the third day of the week, positioned between Monday and Wednesday. In most Western cultures and business environments, it is regarded as the second day of the standard work week.
Thursday
A1Thursday is the day of the week that comes after Wednesday and before Friday. It is typically considered the fourth day of the working week in most Western countries.
Saturday
A1Saturday is the day of the week that follows Friday and comes before Sunday. It is widely considered the first day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or leisure in many cultures.
Sunday
A1Sunday is the seventh day of the week, positioned between Saturday and Monday. In many parts of the world, it is considered the final day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or religious activities.
weekend
A1The weekend is the period of time at the end of the week, typically including Saturday and Sunday. It is generally a time when people do not work or attend school and use the time for rest or leisure.
yesterday
A1Yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is used to describe events, actions, or states that occurred in the very recent past, specifically one day ago.
day after tomorrow
A1The day that comes after the one that follows today. It refers to a point in time two days into the future from the current day.
day before yesterday
A1The day that occurred immediately before yesterday, referring to two days ago from today. It is used to pinpoint a specific time in the recent past in relation to the current day.
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