Afternoon vs. Midday — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Afternoon begins after midday, extending to early evening; midday strictly denotes the middle of the day, typically around noon.
Difference Between Afternoon and Midday
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The afternoon starts immediately after midday, typically regarded as the period from 12 PM to early evening, around 6 PM. Whereas, midday specifically refers to the middle part of the day, usually around noon or 12 PM.
Activities in the afternoon often include work, school sessions, or leisure, extending over several hours. On the other hand, midday is often a point for a brief pause or break in activities, such as lunchtime.
The term "afternoon" is used to denote a broader time span, which can be subjective and culturally varied. However, midday represents a more precise and universally recognized moment, marking the transition from morning to afternoon.
In many cultures, specific social and formal events are scheduled in the afternoon, such as afternoon tea. Conversely, midday is typically associated with high solar intensity and is less tied to social events.
The afternoon can be seen as a phase of diminishing daylight, especially noted during the later hours. In contrast, midday is characterized by the highest sun position of the day, generally leading to the peak of daylight brightness.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The period following midday to early evening.
The middle of the day, around noon.
Duration
Several hours (12 PM to about 6 PM).
Brief, usually centered around 12 PM.
Associated Activities
Work, school, leisure.
Often a break or pause time, like lunch.
Cultural Significance
Varied, includes events like afternoon tea.
Less culturally specific, associated with high solar intensity.
Light Conditions
Decreasing light towards the evening.
Peak daylight brightness.
Compare with Definitions
Afternoon
Often associated with relaxation and leisure activities.
They went for a walk every afternoon.
Midday
A time often designated for breaks in various cultures.
Workers usually take a break at midday.
Afternoon
Period following midday, extending to the early evening.
She scheduled all her meetings in the afternoon.
Midday
Not typically associated with specific social events.
Midday is usually a quiet time in the office.
Afternoon
Time for post-lunch activities and continuation of daily routines.
The streets are busier in the afternoon.
Midday
Associated with the highest sun position in the sky.
It gets extremely hot around midday during summer.
Afternoon
Can include cultural or social events specific to this time.
Afternoon tea is a popular event among the British.
Midday
The exact middle of the day, typically noon.
The bell rings at midday for lunch.
Afternoon
Recognized by diminishing daylight, especially closer to evening.
The light fades slowly during the afternoon.
Midday
Less variable than afternoon in terms of timing.
Midday is consistently around noon, regardless of the season.
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.
Midday
The middle of the day; noon.
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
Midday
Noon; twelve o'clock during the day
Afternoon
In the afternoon; every afternoon.
Midday
The middle part of the day; noon.
Afternoon
Short for good afternoon
Midday
Of or pertaining to noon; meridional; as, the midday sun.
Afternoon
The part of day from noon until dinnertime or sunset.
Midday
The middle of the day
Afternoon
The latter part
In the afternoon of life.
Afternoon
The part of the day from noon or lunchtime until sunset, evening, or suppertime or 6pm.
Afternoon
(figuratively) The later part of anything, often with implications of decline.
Afternoon
(informal) A party or social event held in the afternoon.
Afternoon
In the afternoon.
Afternoon
Ellipsis of good afternoon
Afternoon
The part of the day which follows noon, between noon and evening.
Afternoon
The part of the day between noon and evening;
He spent a quiet afternoon in the park
Afternoon
A conventional expression of greeting or farewell
Common Curiosities
What is the significance of midday in solar terms?
Midday is significant as it marks the point when the sun is at its highest in the sky, directly overhead in some locations.
What meals are associated with midday?
Midday is commonly associated with lunch, the main meal in many cultures taken around this time.
What meals are typically associated with the afternoon?
Afternoon meals can include a light lunch or, in some cultures, an afternoon tea which is both a meal and a social event.
Are there any health recommendations for activities at midday?
Health experts often recommend staying indoors or in shade during midday in summer months due to high UV exposure.
Can afternoon times vary based on the season?
Yes, the definition of afternoon can shift slightly depending on the daylight hours, which change with the seasons.
Is there a cultural importance attached to midday in any societies?
In some cultures, midday is traditionally a time for prayer or siesta, especially in hotter climates.
How do businesses typically use the afternoon hours?
Businesses often use afternoon hours for continued operations, meetings, and, in retail, a peak time for customer activity.
How does afternoon light affect outdoor activities?
The diminishing light in the afternoon can affect outdoor activities, often making them more pleasant as temperatures cool.
What is a typical greeting associated with midday?
A typical greeting at midday might be "Good noon" or simply "Good afternoon" shortly after midday.
How is afternoon time used in educational settings?
Afternoons in educational settings are typically used for specialized classes, sports activities, or extracurriculars.
How do schools utilize the concept of midday?
Schools often schedule a lunch break around midday, and it may also mark a shift from morning to afternoon classes.
What is the typical duration of midday?
Midday is generally considered a brief period centered around noon, lasting about an hour.
How do event planners use the afternoon hours?
Event planners often schedule key activities in the afternoon, taking advantage of the long daylight hours.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lm vs. Lumen
Next Comparison
Crumble vs. CrumpleAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
