ENGLISH
REFERENCE

good afternoon

idiom
Meaning

A polite greeting you use when you meet someone in the afternoon, usually after 12 p.m.


Origin

disputed origin

Probably a shortening of "I wish you a good afternoon."

Examples
SIMPLE

Good afternoon, how are you today?

CONTEXTUAL

The receptionist offered a polite good afternoon as I walked into the office building.

COMPLEX

Upon entering the quiet library, the visitor whispered a respectful good afternoon to the librarian at the front desk.

Last updated June 7, 2026