Part-time

Definition

Part-time describes a situation or job that requires fewer hours than a full-time position, typically less than 35 hours per week.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective: part-time (e.g., "She has a part-time job.")
• Adverb: part-time (e.g., "He works part-time.")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑrtˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: PART-time (with "PART" as in "park," and "time" as in "time")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːtˌtaɪm/
• Respelling: PAHT-time (with "PAHT" as in "father," and "time" as in "time")

In both dialects, "part-time" places the primary stress on the first syllable, either "PART" in American English or "PAHT" in British English. The pronunciation reflects typical regional variations in vowel sounds and pronunciation style between American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "time" part.

Etymology

The term "part-time" is a combination of "part", from Old English "part", meaning "a portion", and "time", from Old English "tīma", meaning "duration or period". This denotes a segment or portion of the full duration typically allocated to a particular activity, such as work.

Derivatives

• Part-timer
• Part-timely
• Part-time work
• Part-time worker
• Part-time job

Synonyms

• Half-time
• Temporary
• Casual

Antonyms

• Full-time
• Permanent
• Continuous

Usage

"Part-time" is commonly used to describe jobs or employment situations where the worker is employed for fewer hours than a typical full-time position. It can also be applied to students who study on a less-than-full schedule or any situation where involvement is less than full commitment.

Related Terms

• Freelance
• Contractual
• Shift work
• Flextime
• Hourly

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Relating to work or a job that requires fewer hours than a full-time position.
• Example: "She secured a part-time position at the library."

• Involving or occurring as part of a reduced schedule or involvement.
• Example: "He enrolled in a part-time course."

Adverb

• For only part of the usual working day or week.
• Example: "She works part-time and studies the rest of the day."