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time · noun /tɑɪm/Full view
Nouns: time, overtime, timer, timing
Adjectives: timeless, timely, overtime, untimely
Verbs: time, overtime
time (PARTICULAR POINT)
A1 C or U a particular point in the day or night
Dictionary examples:

"What's the time?" "It's ten o'clock."

What time is it?

What time do you finish work?

Would you like to suggest a time for the meeting?

Do you know the times of the trains to London?

Aged four, she could already tell the time.

What would be the best time of day for us to deliver the table?

Learner example:

What time [would] you like to come? (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Pashto)

time (PERIOD)
A2 U or no plural a particular amount of time
Dictionary examples:

It takes a long time to get from Los Angeles to Sydney.

It was some time ago that I last heard from her.

We'd save time on our trip if we went by train.

What do you like doing in your spare/free time?

I don't know how you find time to do all the things you do.

I thought we'd give her a bit more time to get the job done.

When Paula was ill, I took her some magazines to help her pass the time.

Learner example:

I prefer Friday, [be]cause I've got [some] free time [then]. (Key English Test; A2; Czech)

time (MINUTES/DAYS/YEARS)
A2 U Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, etc.
Dictionary examples:

He wants to spend more time with his family.

If you'd done your work instead of wasting time talking, you'd be finished by now.

She grew more and more fascinated by the subject as time went on/by.

Learner example:

I love [this game] and the last two days I [have] spen[t] all my time on it. (Key English Test; A2; Greek)

time (OCCASION)
A2 C or U an occasion or period, or the experience connected with it
Dictionary examples:

The last time we went to Florida, it rained every day.

We were very young at the time.

Every time/Each time I ask you to do something, you always say you're too busy.

They go swimming three or four times a week.

Did you have a good time at the conference?

Learner example:

We had a good time and all the guests were happy. (Key English Test; A2; Farsi)

time (WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS)
B1 U or no plural a particular point of the day, week, month, year, etc. that is suitable for a particular activity, or at which something is expected to happen
Dictionary examples:

vacation time

party time

When would be a good time for me to call you?

Learner example:

My father called me on the phone and told me it was time to go home! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

it's time
B1 used to say that something should happen or be done now
Dictionary examples:

It's time we got going.

OK kids, it's time for bed now.

It's time to leave for work.

Learner example:

My father called me on the phone and told me it was time to go home! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

all the time
A2 continuously
Dictionary example:

I wish you'd stop criticizing me all the time.

Learner example:

He laugh[s] all the time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

time (AVAILABLE OR NEEDED)
B1 U a number of minutes, hours, days, etc. that is available for something or that is needed for something
Dictionary examples:

If I have time, I'll call Sam.

Have you got time for a quick drink after work?

I'd like to learn to sail, but I haven't the time.

I haven't got time to go shopping today.

She ran out of time and didn't finish the last question.

Learner example:

If you'll have time you can visit the other towns like Cosly' Krumlov or Pisek. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Czech)

time (HISTORICAL PERIOD)
B2 C a period in history
Dictionary examples:

Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" is set at the time of the French Revolution.

In/During medieval times, women thought to be witches were burned at the stake.

In times gone by, all crops were harvested by hand.

He is widely regarded as one of the best writers of modern/our times.

We sat and talked about old times.

Learner example:

It was so nice to see all members of the family and have [the] opportunity to talk about old times, as well [as] old friends. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

in time
B1 early or at the right time
Dictionary example:

We arrived in time to catch the train.

Learner example:

If I [don']t come back in time, you can put [a] note on my desk. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

on time
B1 not early or late
Dictionary example:

I got to school on time.

Learner example:

So, I will not be on time for my English class tomorrow. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

at the same time
B1 If two things happen at the same time, they happen together.
Dictionary example:

We arrived at the same time.

Learner example:

The kind of clothes I most like [are] casual but fashionable at the same time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

three/eight/nine, etc. times
B1 used to say how much bigger, better, worse, etc. one thing is than another thing
Dictionary examples:

Ben earns three times more than me.

He gets paid nearly three times as much as me.

Learner example:

[I]n my opinion, you must visit the cities, [which are] three times better than the countryside. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

in a day's/two months', etc. time
B1 a week, two months, etc. from now
Dictionary example:

I have to go to the doctor again in a month's time.

Learner example:

We are back in 2 weeks' time. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Russian)

once upon a time
B1 used at the beginning of a story to mean a long time ago
Dictionary example:

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess.

Learner example:

Once upon a time there was a very poor family. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

for the time being
C for now but not permanently
Dictionary examples:

I'm living with my parents for the time being.

Leave the ironing for the time being - I'll do it later.

Learner example:

I think that is all for the time being. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

from time to time
B2 sometimes but not often
Dictionary example:

From time to time I still think of her.

Learner example:

I wash the dishes from time to time (I sometimes try to avoid this unpleasant duty) and clean our house. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

for some time
B2 for a long period of time
Dictionary example:

I've been doing yoga for some time.

Learner example:

I have been observing you for some time and it's now quite clear to me that you have been working too hard since you changed your job. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

about/high time
C1 If it is about time or high time that someone did something, it should have been done sooner or a long time ago.
Dictionary examples:

It's about time the school improved its cafeteria service.

It’s high time you got that bad knee looked at by a doctor!

Learner example:

If not, it i[s]about time you found out everything about this device you use every day! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

time (IN A PLACE)
C1 U the time in a particular place
Dictionary example:

The plane arrives at 2:50, New York time.

Learner example:

By the way, I will be arriving on September 19, 2003, at around 8:00 p.m local time, I will be waiting for you at the arrival area of Newark International airport. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Tagalog)

at times
C1 sometimes
Dictionary example:

At times, I wish I didn't have to go to school.

Learner example:

STUDYING METHODS All teachers at the college are high[ly] skilled professionals and can be very demanding at times, but this is [in] your best interest. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

make time
C1 to leave enough time to do something although you are busy
Dictionary examples:

You have to make time to do your homework.

He never made enough time for family life.

Learner example:

I'm terribly sorry for not being able to make time to pick you up when you arrive. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

it's only a matter of time
C1 If you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you are sure it will happen but you do not know when.
Dictionary example:

It's only a matter of time before someone gets into an accident on this road.

Learner example:

In my opinion it is only a matter of time before it is decided to [put] an end to this country being a kingdom. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Dutch)

time after time
C2 again and again on repeated occasions
Dictionary example:

We’ve been hearing the same news story time after time.

Learner example:

Time after time he stopped and looked around, not sure if [he] was alone. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

take your time
C1 to do something without hurrying
Dictionary example:

Take your time choosing - there's no hurry.

Learner example:

If you're going to land at the "Lugano-Agno" airport, as you told me in your last letter, the first thing I recommend to you is to be patient and take your time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

have no time for sb/sth
C2 to have no respect for someone or something
Dictionary example:

I have no time for people who wont even listen to another point of view.

Learner example:

First of all it's hard work, I have no time for la[z]y people. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Ukrainian)

behind the times
C1 not fashionable or modern
Dictionary example:

Dad's a bit behind the times.

Learner example:

We [should] improve our equipment. Otherwise we will be behind the times. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

give sb a hard time
C2 to criticize someone and make them feel guilty about something they have done
Dictionary example:

Ever since I missed that catch, the other players have been giving me a hard time.

Learner example:

I'm not saying that I wasn't normal or anything, I just gave my family a hard time sometimes. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

at one time or another
C2 used to talk about an occasion in the past without saying exactly which occasion it was
Dictionary example:

Most of us have made a similar mistake at one time or another.

Learner example:

Haven't we all at one time or another come home from a holiday feeling healthy and strong with a smile on our face thinking, this is what life is about. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

in no time
C1 very soon
Dictionary example:

We'll be home in no time.

Learner example:

Team work is very important for us and you will make many friends in no time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

at the best of times
C2 used to show that something is not good when it is the best it can be
Dictionary example:

He's not exactly patient at the best of times.

Learner example:

They knew that even at the best of times he looked unpleasant but now he was of [a] completely different [appearance]. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

time · verb T /tɑɪm/
Nouns: time, overtime, timer, timing
Adjectives: timeless, timely, overtime, untimely
Verbs: time, overtime
time (MEASURE)
B2 to measure how long it takes for something to happen or for someone to do something
Dictionary example:

It's a good idea to time yourself while you do the exercises.

time (ARRANGE FOR)
C2 to arrange for something to happen at a particular time
Dictionary example:

We timed our arrivals at the airport so that we could meet and share a taxi to the city.

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