afternoon
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1 time of day (n.) A1 Beginnerthe part of the day from 12:00 (noon) until the early evening.
the period from noon (12:00) until the beginning of evening — a relational boundary, not a fixed clock time, since "evening" itself depends on culture and season (often 5:00–6:00 PM by social convention).
ExampleWe spent the whole afternoon walking through the park and talking.
ExampleThe heavy rain persisted throughout the afternoon, forcing the organisers to relocate the outdoor ceremony to the main hall.
PitfallI will see you on the afternoon.I will see you in the afternoon.Use the preposition 'in' with 'afternoon' when referring to the time of day.
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2 later stage (n.) C1 Advanced Literarythe later part of something, like a person's life or a long event.
the final or declining stage of a period of time, a career, or a lifespan.
ExampleIn the afternoon of his life, the old man enjoyed sitting in his garden.
ExampleThe empire entered its long afternoon, characterized by a slow decay of its once-mighty institutions and a loss of territorial control.
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3 social event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate British Englisha party or meeting that happens during the afternoon.
a social gathering or formal event scheduled during the afternoon hours.
ExampleThe local club is hosting a musical afternoon for the neighborhood families.
ExampleThe charity organized a literary afternoon, featuring readings from local poets and a silent auction to raise funds for the library.
From Middle English afternone, after-non, equivalent to after- + noon.