Summer

Definition

Summer refers to the warmest season of the year, occurring between spring and autumn, characterized by longer daylight hours and higher temperatures.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌm.ɚ/
• Respelling: SUM-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌm.ə/
• Respelling: SUM-uh

Etymology

The word "summer" originates from the Old English "sumor," derived from Proto-Germanic "*sumaraz" and Proto-Indo-European "*sem-" (meaning "together" or "one"). It has been used in English since the early medieval period to describe the warm season.

Derivatives

• Summertime (noun)
• Summery (adjective)
• Summerlike (adjective)
• Summered (verb, past tense)
• Summering (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Warm season
• High season
• Solstice

Antonyms

• Winter
• Cold season
• Off-season

Usage

The noun "summer" is commonly used to describe the warmest season of the year, as in "We always go to the beach during summer." The verb form is less common and typically refers to spending the summer in a specific place, as in "They summered in the south of France."

Related Terms

• Spring: The season preceding summer, characterized by blooming plants and moderate temperatures.
• Autumn: The season following summer, marked by falling leaves and cooling temperatures.
• Equinox: The time of year when day and night are of equal length, occurring around the start of spring and autumn.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The warmest season of the year: Refers to the period between spring and autumn when temperatures are typically high and daylight hours are longest.
  • Example: "Summer is a great time for outdoor activities."

Verb

• To spend the summer season in a particular place: Refers to residing or staying in a location during summer.
  • Example: "They summered at a lakeside cabin."