Week

Definition

Week is a noun referring to a period of seven consecutive days, typically starting from Sunday or Monday and ending on Saturday or Sunday. It is commonly used as a standard unit of time in most calendars and scheduling systems.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːk/
• Respelling: WEEK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːk/
• Respelling: WEEK

Etymology

The word "week" originates from Old English "wice" or "wicu," meaning "a period of seven days," derived from Proto-Germanic "*wikōn," meaning "a turn or change." It has cognates in Old High German "wihha" and Dutch "week," reflecting its widespread historical usage as a timekeeping unit.

Derivatives

• Weekend (noun)
• Weekday (noun)
• Weekly (adjective/adverb)
• Midweek (noun/adjective)
• Workweek (noun)

Synonyms

• Seven-day period
• Calendar week
• Workweek

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "week" is commonly used to describe recurring periods of seven days, as in "She spends her week working and weekends relaxing." It is also used in scheduling, such as "Next week, we will start the project."

Related Terms

• Month: A period of approximately four weeks.
• Day: A unit of time lasting 24 hours, forming part of a week.
• Year: A longer time unit, consisting of approximately 52 weeks.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A period of seven consecutive days: Refers to the standard unit of time used in calendars.
  • Example: "It has been a challenging week at work."
• A work or school schedule lasting five days, typically Monday to Friday: Refers to structured schedules within a seven-day period.
  • Example: "The students were busy throughout the school week."
• Used figuratively to indicate a recurring pattern or event: Refers to weekly cycles or intervals.
  • Example: "Every week, they meet to discuss their progress."