Afternoon is the time between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is the period between noon and evening. The afternoon is a time of day when the sun is high in the sky and the temperature is usually at its peak. It is a time when people are usually active and engaged in various activities, such as work, school, or leisure.
The word “afternoon” comes from the Old English word “æfternōn,” which means “after noon.” It is a compound word made up of “æfter,” which means “after,” and “nōn,” which means “noon.”
The afternoon is divided into three parts: early afternoon, mid-afternoon, and late afternoon. Early afternoon is the time between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Mid-afternoon is the time between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Late afternoon is the time between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Evening vs Afternoon
Evening and afternoon are both parts of the day, but they are distinct periods with different characteristics.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between evening and afternoon:
| Aspect | Afternoon | Evening |
| Time | Typically from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Typically from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Activities | Work, school, errands, leisure activities | Relaxation, dinner, socializing, winding down |
| Lighting | Daylight, often bright and sunny | Dimming light, sunset, and nighttime |
| Temperature | Warmest part of the day | Cooling down after sunset |
What Time is Late Afternoon?
Late afternoon is the period of time between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is the final part of the afternoon, just before evening.
During the late afternoon, the sun begins to set and the temperature starts to cool down. This is a popular time for people to relax and unwind after a long day of work or school. It is also a common time for people to engage in leisure activities, such as going for a walk, playing sports, or spending time with family and friends.
The late afternoon is also a time when many businesses close for the day. This is because people are typically less active and productive during this time. However, some businesses, such as restaurants and bars, remain open during the late afternoon and evening.
What Time is Early Afternoon?
Early afternoon is the period of time between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. It is the first part of the afternoon, just after noon.
During the early afternoon, the sun is high in the sky and the temperature is usually at its peak. This is a popular time for people to take a break from work or school and have lunch. It is also a common time for people to engage in leisure activities, such as going for a walk, playing sports, or spending time with family and friends.
The early afternoon is also a time when many businesses are open. This is because people are typically more active and productive during this time.
What Time is Mid-Afternoon?
Mid-afternoon is the period of time between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. It is the middle part of the afternoon, between early afternoon and late afternoon.
During the mid-afternoon, the sun is still high in the sky, but the temperature may start to cool down. This is a popular time for people to take a break from work or school and have a snack. It is also a common time for people to engage in leisure activities, such as going for a walk, playing sports, or spending time with family and friends.
The mid-afternoon is also a time when many businesses are open. This is because people are typically still active and productive during this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the afternoon is a significant part of the day, spanning from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is characterized by various activities, sunlight, and a gradual transition from the peak warmth of the day to cooler temperatures as evening approaches.
Understanding the distinctions between early, mid, and late afternoon can help people plan their activities more effectively, whether for work, leisure, or relaxation.