hour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hour Word Meanings
- a period of 60 minutes
- a specific time of day
- a division of a day
hour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/aʊə/
US
/aʊər/
hour Word Etymology
hour = 'hora' (Latin) + 'heure' (Old French) → English. Imagine a clock with hands pointing to a specific hour, indicating time passing during a busy day.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pull back my sleeve and look at the clock. The minute hand moves, and the hour seems to shift as I decide what to do next. I adjust my pace, keep my plan in check, and set a timer to keep the next hour on track. In that small, steady moment, the hour becomes a cue for how I act—where I place my tasks, what I push forward, and how I let time guide my day.
Real Context
An hour is a unit of time equal to 60 minutes, but everyday speech treats it as a flexible block rather than a precise measurement. We talk about hours as durations or as points on a schedule, using phrases like 'in an hour' or 'two hours from now' and distinguishing the singular 'an hour' from the plural 'hours.' When telling time, we use clock expressions such as 'at 3 o'clock' or 'it's 2:15,' but for durations we say 'spend an hour' or 'wait for a couple of hours.' Learners often confuse hours with minutes, or misplace the word in questions like 'What time is it in an hour?'
Usage Reminders
- Use an hour for a 60-minute period.
- Say in an hour to mean from now.
- Use hours for longer durations or as a general timespan.
- Avoid mixing with minutes when giving precise time.
- Remember plural 'hours' after numbers greater than one.
Common Misconceptions
- Hour always means a specific clock time.
- Hour and minute are interchangeable for scheduling.
- In an hour means exactly at that future moment.
- The plural form is never needed with a single duration.
- Hour is the same as the hand on the clock.
Thinking Differences
English uses hour for both a clock time and a duration, with clear distinctions like 'in an hour' vs 'at 3 o'clock.' Learners often mix up singular/plural and confuse with minutes.
Learning Tips
- Practice hour in clock-time phrases
- Keep a simple list of common phrases: in an hour, for an hour
- Notice plural form hours after numbers
- Read schedules and timetables to see usage
- Pair time expressions with activities
- Use flashcards for irregular phrases
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of the word 'hour'?
A.A place where books are kept
B.A device used to measure temperature
C.A unit of time equal to 60 minutes
D.A sudden strong feeling
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hour' correctly?
A.I need one hour of bread from the store.
B.The train will arrive in an hour.
C.She bought a new hour to wear to the party.
D.They planted an hour in the garden yesterday.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'hour'?
A.moment
B.sixty minutes
C.day
D.clock
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word best represents an opposite concept to the length implied by 'hour'?
A.day
B.instant
C.minute
D.year
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario that reflects the meaning without using the word itself?
A.I finished the quick five-minute task and called it a long period.
B.I waited for sixty minutes at the doctor's office.
C.The meeting started at nine and ended at nine, so it lasted a long while.
D.She slept for a very short moment and said it was the whole time.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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