a.m.

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative forms 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Pronunciation 1.4 Abbreviation 1.4.1 Usage notes 1.4.2 Synonyms 1.4.3 Antonyms 1.4.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative forms

• am
• AM
• A.M.

[edit] Etymology

Abbreviation of Latin ante meridiem, "before noon".

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Abbreviation

a.m.

1. before noon (used after a time to indicate it is between midnight and noon, i.e., in the morning)
2. ad modum (less commonly used)

[edit] Usage notes

• Since a.m. means "before noon" and p.m. means "after noon", the terms "12:00 a.m." (referring to the minute between 11:59 p.m. and 12:01 a.m., i.e. 12:00 midnight) and "12 p.m." (referring to the minute between 11:59 a.m. and 12:01 p.m., i.e. 12:00 noon) can be considered self-contradictory; nonetheless, they are in common use by many speakers.

[edit] Synonyms

• in the morning

[edit] Antonyms

• p.m.
• in the afternoon, in the evening, at night (depending on the hour referred to)

[edit] Translations