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run time

B2
UK/ˈrʌn ˌtaɪm/US/ˈrʌn ˌtaɪm/

Formal/Technical

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Definition

Meaning

The period during which a computer program is executing.

The duration of a film, play, or other performance; the time taken for a process to complete.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

In computing, 'run time' refers specifically to the execution phase of a program, distinct from compile time. In media, it refers to the total length of a performance.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both varieties use 'run time' similarly. In British English, 'runtime' (one word) is also common in computing contexts.

Connotations

Neutral technical term in both varieties.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger tech/media industries.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
program run timefilm run timeaverage run timetotal run time
medium
reduce run timecalculate run timeestimated run time
weak
short run timelong run timeactual run time

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The run time of [program/film]A run time of [duration]During run time

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

runtimeplaying time

Neutral

durationlengthexecution time

Weak

periodspan

Vocabulary

Antonyms

compile timedevelopment timeidle time

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “At run time”
  • “Run-time error”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in project management for process duration estimates.

Academic

Common in computer science papers discussing algorithm efficiency.

Everyday

Mostly used when discussing film/TV show lengths.

Technical

Precise term in software engineering for program execution period.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The program will run time the simulation.
  • We need to run time tests overnight.

American English

  • The system runs time diagnostics automatically.
  • Let's run time the new code.

adverb

British English

  • The process completes run time.
  • It fails run time occasionally.

American English

  • The application loads runtime.
  • Errors occur runtime sometimes.

adjective

British English

  • The run-time environment is stable.
  • We encountered a run-time issue.

American English

  • The runtime configuration needs adjustment.
  • It's a runtime dependency.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • The film's run time is two hours.
  • What is the run time of this video?
B1
  • The program has a short run time of five minutes.
  • We need to reduce the run time of this process.
B2
  • During run time, the application consumes significant memory.
  • The algorithm's run time complexity is O(n log n).
C1
  • The runtime environment handles memory allocation dynamically.
  • Cross-platform runtime compatibility must be ensured.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a film 'running' on screen - that's its run time.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A RESOURCE (consumed during running)

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Avoid literal translation as 'беговое время' - use 'время выполнения' for computing or 'продолжительность' for media.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'run time' for preparation time
  • Confusing with 'running time' (though often interchangeable)

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The software's was longer than expected due to the large dataset.
Multiple Choice

In which context would 'run time' LEAST likely be used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both forms are acceptable, though 'runtime' is more common in computing contexts.

They're often interchangeable, but 'run time' is more technical/computing-focused, while 'running time' is more general.

Yes, in technical contexts meaning 'to execute a program for a period'.

Usually uncountable when referring to the concept, but countable when referring to specific instances (e.g., 'different run times').