Wednesday

Definition

Wednesday is the third day of the week, following Tuesday and preceding Thursday, according to international standard ISO 8601. In some traditions, it is considered the fourth day of the week.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɛnz.deɪ/ or /ˈwɛnzd.i/
• Respelling: WENZ-day or WENZ-dee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɛnz.deɪ/ or /ˈwɛnzd.i/
• Respelling: WENZ-day or WENZ-dee

Etymology

The word "Wednesday" originates from Old English "Wōdnesdæg," meaning "Woden's day," which references the Germanic god Woden (Odin in Norse mythology). The name reflects the influence of the Roman god Mercury, as the day was associated with Mercury in Latin-based languages.

Derivatives

• Midweek (noun/adjective)
• Wednesdayish (adjective, informal)
• Wednesdayite (noun, rare)
• Pre-Wednesday (adjective)
• Post-Wednesday (adjective)

Synonyms

• Midweek
• Hump day (informal)
• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "Wednesday" is commonly used to refer to a specific day of the week. For example: "The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon." Informally, it is often called "hump day," reflecting its position in the middle of the workweek.

Related Terms

• Week: A period of seven days.
• Calendar: A system of organizing days.
• Midweek: The middle of the week, usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The third day of the week in ISO 8601, or the fourth in traditional calendars: Refers to the day following Tuesday and preceding Thursday.
  • Example: "We have a regular yoga class every Wednesday."
• A day used to describe specific events or schedules: Indicates activities or events occurring on that day.
  • Example: "The library is closed on Wednesdays."