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

1. a period of time during which a person is normally in a particular life state