What is evening? Pronunciation and usage in English

evening means . Learn how to pronounce and use evening through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of evening

eveningnoun

/ˈiːvnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of evening

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "evening" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /ˈiːvənɪŋ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈiː - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "ee" as in "see." The "ˈ" symbol indicates that this syllable is emphasized.
  • vən - This sounds like "vawn." The "v" is pronounced as it normally is.
  • ɪŋ - This sounds like "ing" as in "sing."

Putting it together, it's a smooth, flowing sound.

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine you’re saying "ee-vawn-ing." Don't rush it – give each syllable a little bit of attention.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word evening in English

Let's break down how to use the word "evening" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Time of Day:

  • Most Common Use: "Evening" refers to the time between late afternoon and the time you go to bed. It's the period after the daytime and before nighttime.
    • Example: "We're going out for dinner this evening."
    • Example: "I usually read a book in the evening."
    • Example: "The evening air was cool and refreshing."

2. Evening Events/Activities:

  • Social Events: “Evening” often describes events that happen in the evening.

    • Example: "We had a lovely evening at a concert."
    • Example: "They're hosting an evening reception for their new clients."
    • Example: "Let’s plan an evening out."

  • Formal Gatherings: It can denote a more formal occasion.

    • Example: “The evening was filled with polite conversation.”

3. Evening (as a Noun - Refers to the period):

  • You can use "evening" as a noun itself, referring to the time.
    • Example: "I spent my evening relaxing at home."
    • Example: "The evening news was particularly long tonight."

4. Evening (describing something done in the evening):

  • You can use it to describe something that takes place in the evening.
    • Example: "I have an evening class."
    • Example: “He’s having an evening stroll.”

Here’s a breakdown of how it contrasts with other times of day:

  • Morning: The time from waking up to noon.
  • Afternoon: The time from noon to late afternoon/early evening.
  • Night: A more general term for the time after darkness falls, often synonymous with “evening” but sometimes encompassing a longer period.

Phrases Using "Evening":

  • Good evening: A standard greeting used in the evening. (Formal)
  • Have a good evening: A polite farewell.
  • Evening walk: A walk taken in the evening.
  • Evening meal: Dinner (typically eaten in the evening).
  • Evening star: (Astronomical) – the brightest star visible in the evening sky (Venus).

Tips for Using "Evening" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "evening" is usually clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Capitalization: "Evening" is not capitalized unless it's the first word of a sentence or part of a proper noun (like "Evening Standard").

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Synonyms for the word evening

Practice with vocabulary evening

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The annual departmental meeting is scheduled for 4 PM, with a networking reception to follow in the late ______.
  2. After a long day of presentations, the participants enjoyed a relaxing social event held in the hotel ballroom this ______.
  3. Many nocturnal animals become active as the sky darkens to ______ after sunset.
  4. Due to technical issues, the project update meeting was postponed until the following ______ at 9 AM.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A networking reception is typically held after working hours, usually starting between 5 PM and 7 PM. Which period of the day does this most accurately describe? A) Early morning B) Midday C) Afternoon D) Evening E) Night

  2. Our department often schedules team-building activities during the final hours of the workday or shortly thereafter. This typically falls into which period? A) Sunrise B) Noon C) Evening D) Dusk E) Early morning

  3. The highly anticipated theatrical performance will begin promptly at 8 o'clock. This time is universally considered to be in the ________. A) Morning B) Afternoon C) Evening D) Midday E) Dawn

  4. When the sun has completely set and the stars begin to appear, the sky transitions into a period of complete darkness. This is distinctly known as ________. A) Dusk B) Twilight C) Night D) Dawn E) Evening

  5. The period just after lunch, when the day is still bright but gradually progressing towards sunset, is known as the ________. A) Dawn B) Morning C) Afternoon D) Evening E) Night

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We usually have our departmental catch-up meetings after work, around 6 PM. (Rewrite using "evening")
  2. The gala event will commence at 7 o'clock in the second half of the day. (Rewrite using a related word form of "evening")
  3. The team decided to work late tonight to finalize the proposal before the deadline. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "tonight")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The annual departmental meeting is scheduled for 4 PM, with a networking reception to follow in the late evening.
  2. After a long day of presentations, the participants enjoyed a relaxing social event held in the hotel ballroom this evening.
  3. Many nocturnal animals become active as the sky darkens to dusk after sunset.
  4. Due to technical issues, the project update meeting was postponed until the following morning at 9 AM.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Afternoon, D) Evening, E) Night
  2. C) Evening, D) Dusk
  3. C) Evening
  4. C) Night
  5. C) Afternoon

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Our departmental catch-up meetings usually take place in the evening, around 6 PM.
  2. The gala event is an evening affair, commencing at 7 o'clock.
  3. The team decided to work late into the night to finalize the proposal before the deadline.

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