midafternoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “midafternoon” mean?
The middle part of the afternoon, approximately between 2:00 p.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The middle part of the afternoon, approximately between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Used as a noun to denote that specific period of the day; as an adjective to describe something happening or characteristic of that time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The hyphenated form 'mid-afternoon' is slightly more common in UK English, while the closed compound 'midafternoon' is preferred in US English.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Simply denotes a specific time of day.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “midafternoon” in a Sentence
at + midafternoonin the + midafternoonby + midafternoonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midafternoon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We took a lovely mid-afternoon stroll along the promenade.
- She experienced the classic mid-afternoon energy dip.
American English
- The midafternoon heat was oppressive.
- They scheduled a midafternoon briefing for the team.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Let's schedule the conference call for midafternoon to accommodate both our London and New York offices."
Academic
"The study observed a peak in cognitive alertness in subjects during the midafternoon."
Everyday
"I love sitting in the midafternoon sun with a good book."
Technical
"The satellite pass is scheduled for 14:30 local time, which corresponds to midafternoon at the observation site."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “midafternoon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “midafternoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midafternoon”
- Using 'midafternoon' as an exact synonym for '3 p.m.' (it's a range). Misspelling as 'mid-afternoon' in contexts where the closed compound is standard.
- Incorrect article: 'at the midafternoon' (correct: 'at midafternoon' or 'in the midafternoon').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern dictionaries list it as one word ('midafternoon'), which is standard, especially in American English. The hyphenated form 'mid-afternoon' is also widely accepted and slightly more common in British English.
Yes, it functions as a noun adjunct or attributive noun (e.g., 'a midafternoon nap'). It is less commonly used as a true adverb (e.g., 'We arrived midafternoon').
A common idiom referring to a natural dip in energy and alertness many people experience in the mid-afternoon, often after lunch.
'Afternoon' is a broad period from noon until evening. 'Midafternoon' specifies the central part of that period, making it more precise.
The middle part of the afternoon, approximately between 2:00 p.
Midafternoon is usually neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
Midafternoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪdɑːftəˈnuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪdæftərˈnuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The midafternoon slump (a period of low energy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the day as a clock: MIDnight (12am), MIDday (12pm), MIDafternoon (around 3pm).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'in the midafternoon') or A MOVING OBJECT (e.g., 'by midafternoon').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise core meaning of 'midafternoon'?