Afternoon vs. Evening — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Afternoon is the period after midday and before evening, while Evening follows the afternoon and lasts until nighttime.
Difference Between Afternoon and Evening
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Afternoon and Evening are both time descriptors, but they refer to distinct periods of the day. They help to differentiate and structure the day's progression.
Afternoon directly follows midday or noon, signaling the later part of the daylight hours. As the sun moves past its zenith, we move into the Afternoon. Conversely, Evening is the time that bridges the gap between the Afternoon and Night, often characterized by the dimming of daylight.
Activities traditionally associated with Afternoon might include post-lunch errands or daytime leisure, while Evening activities often involve relaxation, dinner, or social events. This distinction between Afternoon and Evening further emphasizes their unique roles in our daily routines.
Comparison Chart
Position in Day
Follows midday or noon.
Follows Afternoon, preceding night.
Associated Activities
Post-lunch tasks, daytime activities.
Relaxation, dinner, social gatherings.
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Cultural Perception
Continuation of the day.
Transition to a relaxed or personal time.
Light Condition
Generally brighter, moving away from midday.
Dimming of daylight, approaching nighttime.
Duration
Typically shorter, depending on latitude and season.
Varies, can be brief or prolonged based on location/season.
Compare with Definitions
Afternoon
The period following midday.
She scheduled the meeting for the Afternoon.
Evening
The time of day before nighttime.
They planned to dine out in the Evening.
Afternoon
Time after lunch and before evening.
I took a short nap in the Afternoon.
Evening
Time often associated with relaxation or social activities.
The concert is scheduled for tomorrow Evening.
Afternoon
The segment of day post-noon and pre-sunset.
The Afternoon sun warmed the garden.
Evening
The latter part of the day, especially from sunset to bedtime.
The Evening breeze was cool and refreshing.
Afternoon
Afternoon is the time of the day between noon and evening. It is the time when the sun is descending from its peak in the sky to somewhat before its terminus at the horizon in the west.
Evening
Evening is the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night. The exact times when evening begins and ends depend on location, time of year, and culture, but it is generally regarded as beginning when the Sun is low in the sky and lasting until the end of twilight.
Afternoon
The time from noon or lunchtime to evening
I'll be back at three in the afternoon
I telephoned this afternoon
She worked on Tuesday afternoons
Evening
The period of decreasing daylight between afternoon and night.
Afternoon
In the afternoon; every afternoon.
Evening
The period between sunset or the evening meal and bedtime
A quiet evening at home.
Afternoon
Short for good afternoon
Evening
A later period or time
In the evening of one's life.
Afternoon
The part of day from noon until dinnertime or sunset.
Evening
Chiefly Southern US The time from noon to twilight.
Afternoon
The latter part
In the afternoon of life.
Evening
The time of the day between dusk and night, when it gets dark.
Afternoon
The part of the day from noon or lunchtime until sunset, evening, or suppertime or 6pm.
Evening
The time of the day between the approximate time of midwinter dusk and midnight (compare afternoon); the period after the end of regular office working hours.
Afternoon
(figuratively) The later part of anything, often with implications of decline.
Evening
(figuratively) A concluding time period; a point in time near the end of something; the beginning of the end of something.
It was the evening of the Roman Empire.
Afternoon
(informal) A party or social event held in the afternoon.
Evening
A party or gathering held in the evening.
Afternoon
In the afternoon.
Evening
Present participle of even
Afternoon
Ellipsis of good afternoon
Evening
Present participle of evene
Afternoon
The part of the day which follows noon, between noon and evening.
Evening
The latter part and close of the day, and the beginning of darkness or night; properly, the decline of the day, or of the sun.
In the ascending scaleOf heaven, the stars that usher evening rose.
Afternoon
The part of the day between noon and evening;
He spent a quiet afternoon in the park
Evening
The latter portion, as of life; the declining period, as of strength or glory.
Afternoon
A conventional expression of greeting or farewell
Evening
The latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall);
He enjoyed the evening light across the lake
Afternoon
Part of the day following the zenith of the sun.
It rained heavily all Afternoon.
Evening
A later concluding time period;
It was the evening of the Roman Empire
Afternoon
The later part of the daylight hours.
We spent the Afternoon at the park.
Evening
The early part of night (from dinner until bedtime) spent in a special way;
An evening at the opera
Evening
The transition period post-sunset and before dark.
As the Evening settled, the town lit up.
Common Curiosities
What are Afternoon and Evening?
Afternoon follows midday, while Evening follows Afternoon and precedes night.
Why do we differentiate between Afternoon and Evening?
To structure the day and denote different periods and associated activities.
Which comes first, Afternoon or Evening?
Afternoon comes before Evening.
What denotes the end of Afternoon?
The transition to Evening, often around sunset, marks the end of Afternoon.
Are Afternoon and Evening defined by specific hours?
Their definition is more about daylight progression than specific hours.
Can Evening be considered night?
No, Evening precedes night.
Does Evening start at the same time year-round?
No, the start of Evening can vary based on the season.
Is the term "good Evening" used at the start or end of Evening?
Typically, it's used at the start of Evening.
Is sunset part of Afternoon or Evening?
Sunset typically marks the transition from Afternoon to Evening.
Is Afternoon the same worldwide?
No, Afternoon's duration can vary based on latitude and season.
When do people typically have dinner, Afternoon or Evening?
Evening is the more common time for dinner.
Are Afternoon and Evening terms universally used?
Most cultures recognize these periods, but terminology might differ.
Do all cultures recognize Afternoon and Evening similarly?
The general concept is similar, but exact perceptions can vary by culture.
How does daylight savings time affect Afternoon and Evening?
It can shift the perceived hours of Afternoon and Evening due to changes in sunset.
What is late Afternoon?
The period closer to Evening but still before sunset.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
