time of life
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A distinct and often significant period or phase within a person's life, characterized by a specific condition, status, or typical activity associated with that stage.
Usage
This noun phrase refers to a generalized, recognizable stage of human existence. It is often used with a possessive determiner (e.g., his time of life, that time of life) or preceded by an adjective or descriptive phrase that specifies the particular stage.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used euphemistically or vaguely to refer to age-related periods, especially those involving sensitive topics like midlife crises or old age.
- He's at that time of life where he's questioning all his past decisions.
- It can describe periods defined by social or personal circumstances rather than just biological age.
- Being a new parent is a wonderful but exhausting time of life.
Variants and Related Words
- Stage of life: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Phase: A shorter or less defined period within a time of life.
- Chapter: A metaphorical term for a distinct period in one's life story.
- Life stage: A more formal or sociological term.
Synonyms
- Period
- Stage
- Phase
- Season (metaphorical)
Antonyms
- Entirety of life
- Lifespan (as a whole)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- At my/your/his/her time of life: Used to comment on the appropriateness or typicality of an action for someone's current age or stage.
- You shouldn't be taking such physical risks at your time of life.
- A particular time of life: Emphasizes a specific, identifiable stage.
- College represents a very particular time of life for most people.
Noun
- a period of time during which a person is normally in a particular life state