Reading Theme:
Working Hours: Definition and Examples
Meaning 1：work schedule (Working Hours)
Working Hours
/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ ˈaʊərz/
n.
The specific time period during the day when an employee is required to be at work or performing job duties.
work schedule
➕
/wɜːrk ˈskɛdʒuːl/
n.
The specific time period during the day or week that an employee is required to be at work or performing job duties.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'work' (activity) and 'hours' (time units), denoting time allocated for work.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a clock face with hands pointing to 9 and 5, framing the daily work period.
📖 Example
The coffee shop's working hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so it's perfect for both early birds and after-work customers.
The coffee shop's working hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so it's perfect for both early birds and after-work customers.
🔗 Collocations
flexible working hours – Work schedule that allows employees to choose their start and end times within a range.
standard working hours – Fixed daily hours enforced by an employer, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
extended working hours – Overtime or longer-than-normal work period.
🔄 Synonyms
office hours (n.) – The hours during which an office is open for business or employees are expected to be present.
business hours (n.) – The hours when a company or organization is open for business activities.
work period (n.) – A specific duration of time set aside for work tasks.
🚫 Antonyms
leisure time (n.) – Free time when one is not working or occupied with duties.
off-duty hours (n.) – Hours when an employee is not required to be at work.
📖 Cultural Story
The concept of fixed working hours became widespread during the Industrial Revolution to regulate factory shifts. Today, it also refers to legal limits like the 40-hour workweek established by labor movements.
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