Sometime

Definition

Sometime refers to an indefinite or unspecified time in the future or the past.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: SUM-time (with "SUM" as in "sum" and "time" as in "time")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: SUM-time (similar to American English, with "SUM" as in "sum" and "time" like in "time")

In both dialects, "sometime" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SUM." The pronunciation of "sometime" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The term "sometime" is derived from Middle English somtyme, from Old English sumtīma, equivalent to some +‎ time.

Derivatives

• Sometimes
• Sometimeish
• Sometimey

Synonyms

• Occasionally
• Formerly
• Eventually

Antonyms

• Never
• Always
• Now

Usage

"Sometime" can be used both as an adverb and as an adjective. As an adverb, it is used to denote an unspecified point in time. As an adjective, it describes a former status or position.

Related Terms

• Somewhere
• Somehow
• Someday

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Indefinite Time: Indicates an unspecified or indefinite time, either in the future or the past.
• Example: We should meet for coffee sometime.

• Occasionally: At some indefinite time interval.
• Example: She visits her hometown sometime, but not frequently.

Adjective

• Former: Used to describe a previous status, position, or affiliation.
• Example: My sometime friend is now my boss.

• Occasional: Occurring or acting at unspecified or irregular intervals.
• Example: He is a sometime actor, though his main job is as a waiter.