Full-time

Definition

Full-time refers to an activity or job that takes up or requires the entirety or the conventional amount of a person's working time, typically regarded as at least 35-40 hours in a week.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʊlˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: FUHL-tyme (with "FUHL" as in "pull" and "tyme" as in "time")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʊlˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: FUHL-tyme (with "FUHL" as in "pull" and "tyme" as in "time")

In both dialects, "full-time" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FUHL," with secondary stress on "tyme." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FUHL-tyme."

Etymology

The term originates from the combination of "full," meaning complete or entire, and "time," referring to the indefinite continued progress of existence and events.

Derivatives

• Full-timer (noun)
• Full-time equivalent (noun)
• Full-time job (noun)
• Full-time student (noun)
• Full-time employment (noun phrase)

Synonyms

• Permanent
• Regular
• Whole-time

Antonyms

• Part-time
• Temporary
• Casual

Usage

"Full-time" is most commonly used in employment contexts to describe jobs or roles that require the standard number of working hours each week. It can also be used in educational settings to refer to students who are enrolled in a full course load. In broader terms, "full-time" can describe any activity that occupies most of a person's time.

Related Terms

• Employment
• Occupation
• Shift
• Career
• Job

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Working the Standard Number of Hours: Refers to a job or position that requires an individual to work the full amount of hours that constitute a standard workweek, typically 35 to 40 hours.
  • Example: She has a full-time job as a teacher, working 40 hours a week.

• Fully Engaged in an Activity: Describes someone who is dedicating all of their time and effort to a single role or activity.
  • Example: He is a full-time student, taking a complete course load at the university.

Adverb

• To Work or Function Full-Time: Used to describe the manner in which someone works or participates in an activity full-time.
  • Example: She started working full-time after graduating from college.