SMALL HOURS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "small hours" refers to the late-night or early-morning period, usually between midnight and dawn, when most people are asleep. This phrase is often used to describe the quietest and most peaceful time of the night, when the world seems still and the darkness envelops the surroundings. The word "small" in this context does not signify physical size, but rather implies a sense of intimacy and sparseness.
The small hours are characterized by the absence of hustle and bustle, with a profound stillness that amplifies any sound or movement that may occur. During this time, the world appears different, as if time has slowed down and space has become more vast. The small hours possess a peculiar ambiance, where silence is palpable and thoughts become more introspective.
This phrase is commonly employed in literature, poetry, and conversations, adding a touch of mystique and nostalgia to depict a specific part of the night. Activities that occur during the small hours include solitary contemplation, sleep, or engaging in nocturnal activities such as reading, writing, or creative pursuits.
Overall, the term "small hours" represents a time of tranquility and deep solitude. It encapsulates the magic and stillness that arise during the late-night hours, offering a unique perspective on the world when most are asleep and only the night owls and dreamers are awake.
Common Misspellings for SMALL HOURS
- amall hours
- zmall hours
- xmall hours
- dmall hours
- emall hours
- wmall hours
- snall hours
- skall hours
- sjall hours
- smzll hours
- smsll hours
- smwll hours
- smqll hours
- smakl hours
- smapl hours
- smaol hours
- smalk hours
- smalp hours
- smalo hours
Etymology of SMALL HOURS
The phrase "small hours" refers to the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to Old English.
The word "hour" itself comes from the Old English word "hure", which means "hour" or "period of time".
The term "small" in "small hours" originally meant "short". In Old English, the word "smæl" referred to something that was narrow, limited, or not large. Over time, the meaning of "small" in this context evolved to specifically signify the short span of time during the early morning hours.
The combination of "small" and "hours" emerged to describe this specific period within the day, having its roots in an Old English expression "smæla tid", which translates to "short time" or "small period".
Idioms with the word SMALL HOURS
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the wee small hours (of the night/morning)
The idiom "the wee small hours (of the night/morning)" refers to the period of time very late at night or early in the morning, usually between midnight and dawn. It suggests the time when most people are sleeping, and the world is typically quiet and still.
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the wee small hours
The idiom "the wee small hours" refers to the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn. It implies a time when most people are asleep, and it is often used to describe a late-night period that is associated with quietness, stillness, or solitude.
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the small hours (of the night/morning)
The idiom "the small hours (of the night/morning)" refers to the early hours of the night or morning, typically between midnight and dawn. It refers to the late hours when most people are asleep, and it can imply a feeling of solitude or stillness during this time.
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the small hours
The idiom "the small hours" refers to the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn. It suggests a time when most people are asleep and the world is quiet and still.
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the small hours (of the night)
The idiom "the small hours (of the night)" refers to the late hours of the night, usually between midnight and dawn. It implies a very late or early time when most people are asleep and the world is quiet.
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small hours
The "small hours" is a colloquial expression used to refer to the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn.
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