adverb

once

once [adverb] (ONE TIME)

One single time

US /wʌns/ 
UK /wʌns/ 

یکبار، یک مرتبه

Example: 

We met only once

ما فقط‌ يك‌ بار ملاقات‌ كرديم‌.‏

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 adverb

1 one time:
I've only been to Spain once.
He phones us once a week (= once every week).

2 at some time in the past:
This house was once a school.

at once

1 immediately same meaning now:
Come here at once!

2 at the same time:
I can't do two things at once!

for once this time only:
For once I agree with you.

once again, once more again; one more time:
Can you explain it to me once more?

once or twice a few times; not often:
I've only met them once or twice.

once upon a time (used at the beginning of a children's story) a long time ago:
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess …

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

once

I. once1 S1 W1 /wʌns/ BrE AmE adverb
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: one]
1. on one occasion only:
I’ve only met her once.
Paul’s been to Wexford once before.
(just) the once British English spoken:
Mrs Peterson came in to see Ruth just the once.
2. once a week/once every three months etc one time every week etc, as a regular activity or event:
Staff meetings take place once a week.
They took separate holidays at least once every two years.
3. at some time in the past, but not now:
Sonya and Ida had once been close friends.
She and her husband had once owned a house like this.
once-great/proud etc
It was sad to see the once-great man looking so frail.
the once-mighty steel industry
4. in the past, at a time that is not stated:
I once ran 21 miles.
Marx once described religion as the ‘opium of the people’.
5. at once
a) immediately or without delay:
Now, go upstairs at once and clean your room!
When I saw him I recognized him at once.
b) together, at the same time:
I can’t do two things at once!
Don’t all talk at once.
REGISTER
In everyday English, when people mean 'immediately', they usually say right away or, in British English, straight away rather than at once:
▪ I recognized him right away.
6. once more/once again
a) again, after happening several times before:
I looked at myself in the mirror once more.
Once again she’s refusing to help.
b) used to say that a situation changes back to its previous state:
The crowds had all gone home and the street was quiet once more.
c) formal used before you repeat something that you said before:
Once again, it must be stressed that the pilot was not to blame.
7. all at once
a) if something happens all at once, it happens suddenly when you are not expecting it:
All at once there was a loud banging on the door.
b) together, at the same time:
A lot of practical details needed to be attended to all at once.
8. (every) once in a while sometimes, although not often:
I do get a little anxious once in a while.
I saw her in the shop every once in a while.
9. never once/not once used to emphasize that something has never happened:
I never once saw him get angry or upset.
Not once did they finish a job properly.
10. (just) for once used to say that something unusual happens, especially when you wish it would happen more often:
Be honest for once.
Just for once, let me make my own decision.
For once Colin was speechless.
11. once and for all
a) if you deal with something once and for all, you deal with it completely and finally:
Let’s settle this matter once and for all.
b) British English spoken used to emphasize your impatience when you ask or say something that you have asked or said many times before:
Once and for all, will you switch off that television!
12. once or twice a few times:
I wrote to him once or twice, but he didn’t answer.
13. (just) this once spoken used to emphasize that this is the only time you are allowing something, asking for something etc, and it will not happen again:
Go on, lend me the car, just this once.
I’ll make an exception this once.
14. once upon a time
a) spoken at a time in the past that you think was much better than now:
Once upon a time you used to be able to leave your front door unlocked.
b) a long time ago – used at the beginning of children’s stories
15. once in a blue moon informal very rarely:
It only happens like this once in a blue moon.
16. do something once too often to repeat a bad, stupid, or dangerous action with the result that you get punished or cause trouble for yourself:
He tried that trick once too often and in the end they caught him.
17. once a ..., always a ... spoken used to say that people stay the same and cannot change the way they behave and think:
Once a thief, always a thief.
18. once is/was enough spoken used to say that after you have done something one time you do not need or want to do it again
19. once bitten, twice shy used to say that people will not do something again if it has been a bad experience

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

once

once adverb, conjunction   [wʌns]    [wʌns]

adverb
1. on one occasion only; one time
I've only been there once.
He cleans his car once a week.
She only sees her parents once every six months.

(informal) He only did it the once.

2. at some time in the past
I once met your mother.
• He once lived in Zambia.

• This book was famous once, but nobody reads it today.

3. used in negative sentences and questions, and after if to mean ‘ever’ or ‘at all’
He never once offered to help.
If she once decides to do something, you won't change her mind.  
Word Origin:
Middle English ones, genitive of one. The spelling change in the 16th cent. was in order to retain the unvoiced sound of the final consonant.

Idioms: all at once  at once  for once  going once, going twice, sold  just this once  once a …, always a …  once again  once and for all  once bitten, twice shy  once in a blue moon  once in a while  once more  once or twice  once too often  once upon a time 

 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

once / wʌns / adverb (ONE TIME)

A2 one single time:

I went sailing once, but I didn't like it.

We have lunch together once a month.

at once C1 at the same time:

They all started talking at once.

for once B2 used when something happens that does not usually happen:

For once, the bus came on time.

just this once used to say that you will only do or request something on this particular occasion:

All right, I'll give you a lift - just this once.

once again ( also once more ) B1 again, as has happened before:

Once again, racist attacks are increasing across Europe.

once more B1 one more time:

I'd like to visit the colleges once more before we leave.

again, as has happened before:

I'm pleased that Daniel's working with us once more.

once or twice a few times:

I've seen him once or twice in town.

(every) once in a while B2 sometimes but not often:

We meet for lunch once in a while.

once and for all C2 completely and in a way that will finally solve a problem:

Our intention is to destroy their offensive capability once and for all.

once in a lifetime only likely to happen once in a person's life:

An opportunity as good as this arises once in a lifetime.

→  See also once-in-a-lifetime

the once on a single occasion:

I've only played rugby the once, and I never want to play it again.
 

once / wʌns / adverb (PAST)

B1 in the past, but not now:

This house once belonged to my grandfather.

Computers are much cheaper nowadays than they once were.

Once-thriving villages stand deserted and in ruins.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

once

/wʌns/

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
If something happens once, it happens one time only.
I met Wilma once, briefly...
Since that evening I haven’t once slept through the night...
Mary had only been to Manchester once before.
ADV: ADV with v

Once is also a pronoun.
‘Have they been to visit you yet?’—‘Just the once, yeah.’...
Listen to us, if only this once.
PRON: the/this PRON

2.
You use once with ‘a’ and words like ‘day’, ‘week’, and ‘month’ to indicate that something happens regularly, one time in each day, week, or month.
Lung cells die and are replaced about once a week...
We arranged a special social event once a year to which we invited our major customers.
ADV: ADV a n

3.
If something was once true, it was true at some time in the past, but is no longer true.
The culture minister once ran a theatre...
I lived there once myself, before I got married...
The house where she lives was once the village post office...
My memory isn’t as good as it once was.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV with be, ADV with group/cl

4.
If someone once did something, they did it at some time in the past.
I once went camping at Lake Darling with a friend...
We once walked across London at two in the morning...
Diana had taken that path once.
ADV: ADV with v

5.
If something happens once another thing has happened, it happens immediately afterwards.
The decision had taken about 10 seconds once he’d read a market research study...
Once customers come to rely on these systems they almost never take their business elsewhere...
CONJ

6.
If something happens all at once, it happens suddenly, often when you are not expecting it to happen.
All at once there was someone knocking on the door.
= all of a sudden
PHRASE: PHR with cl

7.
If you do something at once, you do it immediately.
I have to go, I really must, at once...
Remove from the heat, add the parsley, toss and serve at once...
The audience at once greeted him warmly.
= immediately
PHRASE: PHR with v

8.
If a number of different things happen at once or all at once, they all happen at the same time.
You can’t be doing two things at once...
No bank could ever pay off its creditors if they all demanded their money at once...
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR adj/n and adj/n

9.
For once is used to emphasize that something happens on this particular occasion, especially if it has never happened before, and may never happen again.
For once, dad is not complaining...
His smile, for once, was genuine.
PHRASE: PHR with cl [emphasis]

10.
If something happens once again or once more, it happens again.
Amy picked up the hairbrush and smoothed her hair once more...
Once again an official inquiry has spoken of weak management and ill-trained workers.
PHRASE: PHR with v, PHR with cl

11.
If something happens once and for all, it happens completely or finally.
We have to resolve this matter once and for all...
If we act fast, we can once and for all prevent wild animals in Britain from suffering terrible cruelty.
PHRASE: PHR with v [emphasis]

12.
If something happens once in a while, it happens sometimes, but not very often.
Earrings need to be taken out and cleaned once in a while.
= occasionally
PHRASE: PHR with cl

13.
If you have done something once or twice, you have done it a few times, but not very often.
I popped my head round the door once or twice...
Once or twice she had caught a flash of interest in William’s eyes...
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR with v

14.
Once upon a time is used to indicate that something happened or existed a long time ago or in an imaginary world. It is often used at the beginning of children’s stories.
‘Once upon a time,’ he began, ‘there was a man who had everything.’...
Once upon a time, asking a woman if she has a job was quite a straightforward question.
PHRASE: PHR with cl

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1once /ˈwʌns/ adv
1 : one time only
• I will repeat the question once.
• We try to get together (at least) once every month.
• The play was performed only once.
• He had ridden a horse only once (before).
• We go to the movies once or twice a month. [=we go to the movies a few times a month]
• I've only seen her once or twice. [=I have only seen her a few times]
2 : at any one time : ever
• She didn't once thank me.
• He didn't look at me once.
3 : at some time in the past
• It was once done that way.
• A river once flowed through this canyon.
• It was once a booming mining town.
• Their music was once very popular.
- sometimes used in combination
• a once-successful actor
• a once-popular restaurant
once again/more : for another time : one more time : again
• Let me explain the problem once again.
Once again, you've ignored my instructions.
• Could I hear the question once more?
once and for all : now and for the last time
• Let's settle this problem once and for all.
• Winning its fourth straight championship game, the team proved once and for all that they are the best.
• I'm asking you once and for all.
• Please, once and for all, stop worrying.
once bitten, twice shy
- see 1bite
once in a blue moon
- see blue moon
once in a while : sometimes but not often : occasionally
• We spend most of our time at home and go out once in a while.
Every once in a while, we have wine with dinner.
once upon a time : at some time in the past
• He was a famous actor once upon a time.
Once upon a time is the traditional way to begin a fairy tale.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Snow White.

always

US /ˈɑːl.weɪz/ 
UK /ˈɔːl.weɪz/ 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

always

 adverb

1 at all times; every time:
I have always lived in London.
The train is always late.

2 for ever:
I will always remember that day.

3 again and again:
My sister is always borrowing my clothes!

grammar
Always usually goes before the main verb or after 'is', 'are', 'were', etc.: He always wears those shoes.Fiona is always late. Always can go at the beginning of a sentence when you are telling somebody to do something: Always stop and look before you cross the road.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

always

always S1 W1 /ˈɔːlwəz, ˈɔːlwɪz, -weɪz $ ˈɒːl-/ BrE AmE adverb
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old English; Origin: ealne weg 'all the way']
1. all the time, at all times, or every time:
Always lock your bicycle to something secure.
She’d always assumed that Gabriel was a girl’s name.
He hadn’t always been a butler.
2. for a very long time:
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris.
John’s always been keen on music.
3. for ever:
I’ll always remember that day.
4. if someone or something is always doing something, they do it often, especially in an annoying way:
That woman next door’s always complaining.
5. always assuming/supposing (that) something British English used to say that one important fact has to be accepted as true for something else to happen, be true etc:
We’ll leave on Tuesday – always assuming the car’s repaired by then.
6. as always as is usual or expected:
The truth, as always, is more complicated.
As always, Deborah was the last to arrive.
7. can/could always do something (also there’s always something) spoken used to make a polite suggestion:
You could always try ringing again.
If you can’t get it locally, there’s always the Internet.
8. somebody always was lucky/untidy etc used to say you are not surprised by what someone has done because it is typical of them:
You always were a stubborn creature.
He’s a troublemaker! Always was and always will be!
• • •
THESAURUS
always all the time, at all times, or every time: I will always love you. | He always carries his medicine. | People will always need houses.
forever (also for ever British English) if something lasts or continues forever, it remains or continues for all future time: Nothing lasts forever. | He seemed to think he would live forever.
permanently always, or for a very long time – used about changes that you expect to last forever. Permanently can be used with a verb or with an adjective: His eyesight may be permanently damaged. | They decided to move to Portugal permanently.
for life for the rest of your life: Marriage is supposed to be for life. | He was sent to jail for life. | Remarks like that can affect someone for life.
for good especially spoken forever – used to talk about a permanent change: This time, he’s coming back for good. | Once a species dies out, it is gone for good.
for all time forever – used when saying that something will last or be remembered forever because it is very good or special: Their deeds will be remembered for all time.
to/until your dying day for the rest of your life – used when something has affected you very deeply: I’ll remember what he said to my dying day.
• • •
GRAMMAR
Always usually comes before the verb, unless the verb is a simple tense of ‘be’, or after the first auxiliary:
▪ I always wanted to be an engineer.
▪ He is always cheerful.
▪ Education in Britain has always been considered some of the best in the world.
always, still
Use still, not always, to say that a previous situation has not changed, and is continuing at the time of speaking:
▪ He still lives (NOT always lives) with his parents.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

always

 

 

al·ways   [ˈɔːlweɪz]    [ˈɔːlweɪz]  adverb
1. at all times; on every occasion
There's always somebody at home in the evenings.
Always lock your car.
She always arrives at 7.30.
• The children always seem to be hungry.

• We're not always this busy!

2. for a long time; since you can remember
Pat has always loved gardening.
This is the way we've always done it.
This painting is very good— Ellie always was very good at art (= so it is not very surprising).

• Did you always want to be an actor?

3. for all future time

• I'll always love you.

4. if you say a person is always doing sth, or sth is always happening, you mean that they do it, or it happens, very often, and that this is annoying
She's always criticizing me.
• That phone's always ringing.

• Why are you always complaining about my cooking?

5. can/could always…, there's always… used to suggest a possible course of action
If it doesn't fit, you can always take it back.
If he can't help, there's always John.
more at once a…, always a… at  once  adv.
Idiom: as always  
Word Origin:

[always] Middle English: genitive case of all way, the inflection probably giving the sense ‘at every time’ as opposed to ‘at one uninterrupted time’: the difference between the two is no longer distinct.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

always / ˈɔːl.weɪz /   / ˈɑːl- / adverb (EVERY TIME)

A1 every time or all the time:

It's always cold in this room.

She always spells my name wrong.

 

always / ˈɔːl.weɪz /   / ˈɑːl- / adverb (FOR EVER)

A2 for ever:

I'll always remember you.

 

always / ˈɔːl.weɪz /   / ˈɑːl- / adverb (UNTIL NOW)

A2 at all times in the past:

I've always liked him.

I always thought I'd have children eventually.

 

always / ˈɔːl.weɪz /   / ˈɑːl- / adverb (POSSIBILITY)

B1 used with 'can' or 'could' to suggest another possibility:

If you miss this train you can always catch the next one.

 

always / ˈɔːl.weɪz /   / ˈɑːl- / adverb (MANY TIMES)

B2 again and again, usually in an annoying way:

[ + -ing verb ] disapproving You're always complain ing .

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

always

[ɔ͟ːlweɪz]
 
 1) ADV: ADV before v If you always do something, you do it whenever a particular situation occurs. If you always did something, you did it whenever a particular situation occurred.
  Whenever I get into a relationship, I always fall madly in love...
  She's always late for everything...
  We've always done it this way. In fact, we've never done it any other way...
  Always lock your garage.
  Ant:
  never
 2) ADV: ADV before v, ADV group If something is always the case, was always the case, or will always be the case, it is, was, or will be the case all the time, continuously.
  We will always remember his generous hospitality...
  He has always been the family solicitor...
  He was always cheerful.
  Ant:
  never
 3) ADV: ADV before v-cont If you say that something is always happening, especially something which annoys you, you mean that it happens repeatedly.
  She was always moving things around.
  Syn:
  forever
 4) ADV: can/could ADV inf You use always in expressions such as can always or could always when you are making suggestions or suggesting an alternative approach or method.
  If you can't find any decent apples, you can always try growing them yourself...
  `What are you going to do?' - `I don't know. I could always go back in the Navy or something.'
 5) ADV: ADV before v You can say that someone always was, for example, awkward or lucky to indicate that you are not surprised about what they are doing or have just done.
  She's going to be fine. She always was pretty strong...
  You always were a good friend.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

always

 

al·ways /ˈɑːlˌweɪz/ adv
1 a : at all times : on every occasion : in a way that does not change
• He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed.
• It's always a pleasure to see you.
• I can always tell when he's upset.
• He's always [=constantly] looking for ways to make money.
• She's almost always smiling.
• This area is always filled with tourists.
• You should always (remember to) wear your seat belt.
• The holidays are always a very busy time for us. = (less commonly) The holidays always are a very busy time for us.
• Things won't always go as planned.
• You're always welcome to stay with us.
- opposite never
b : at all times in the past
• He has always been a good friend to me.
• They didn't always get along so well. [=they get along now, but they didn't like each other in the past]
• It hasn't always been easy for him. [=difficult or sad things have happened to him]
• He could always make me angry. = He always could make me angry. [=he often made me angry]
2 : throughout all time : for a very long time: such as
a : forever into the future
• I'll remember you always. [=forever]
• You'll always be my best friend. = You're my best friend, and you always will be.
• Life won't always be this easy.
b : forever in the past : from the beginning of the time that can be remembered
• I've always loved you.
• I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did.
• Isn't that what you've always wanted?
• She always wanted to be famous.
• It has always been my goal to have my own business.
• He's always been a firm believer in hard work. = He's a firm believer in hard work, and he always has been.
3 : often, frequently, or repeatedly
• We always tell people not to arrive too early.
• My parents always told me not to speak to strangers.
- often used to describe repeated behavior that is annoying
• She's always calling me by the wrong name.
• Must you always be so rude?!
• He always tells such funny stories. = He's always telling such funny stories.
4
- used to suggest another possibility
• If we don't win today, there's always tomorrow. [=we might win tomorrow]
- usually used after can or could
• If she doesn't answer the phone now, you can/could always try (calling) again later.
• If you don't have enough money now, you can always use your credit card.
as always
- used to say that something was expected because it always happens
As always, dinner was delicious. [=dinner was delicious, as it always is]
• Your children, as always, were very well-behaved. [=your children were well-behaved, as they always are]

 

wherever

US /werˈev.ɚ/ 
UK /weəˈrev.ər/ 

to or in any or every place

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

I will go wherever God leads me.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

wherever

 adverb, conjunction

1 at, in or to any place:
Sit wherever you like.

2 a way of saying 'where' more strongly:
Wherever did I put my keys?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

wherever

wherever S2 /weərˈevə $ werˈevər/ BrE AmE adverb
1. to or at any place, position, or situation:
Children will play wherever they happen to be.
Sit wherever you like.
... or wherever (=used to emphasize that you are talking about any place and not a specific place)
Dublin people dress more individually than people in London or wherever.
2. in all places that:
She is shadowed by detectives wherever she goes.
I feel I ought to be nice to them wherever possible (=at all times when it is possible).
3. used at the beginning of a question to show surprise:
‘Wherever did she find that?’ Daisy wondered.
4. wherever that is/may be used to say that you do not know where a place or town is or have never heard of it:
She wants to move to Far Flatley, wherever that is

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

wherever

 

 

wher·ever [wherever] conjunction, adverb   [weərˈevə(r)]    [werˈevər] 

 

conjunction
1. in any place
• Sit wherever you like.

• He comes from Boula, wherever that may be (= I don't know where it is).

2. in all places that
Syn:  everywhere

• Wherever she goes, there are crowds of people waiting to see her.

3. in all cases that
Syn:  whenever
Use wholegrain breakfast cereals wherever possible.

Idiom: or wherever 

 

adverb used in questions to mean ‘where’, expressing surprise

• Wherever can he have gone to?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

wherever / weəˈrev.ə r /   / werˈev.ɚ / adverb , conjunction

B1 to or in any or every place:

We can go wherever you like.

Wherever I go I always seem to bump into him.

All across Europe, wherever you look, marriage is in decline and divorce rates are soaring.

Wherever you choose to live there are always going to be disadvantages.

He lives, apparently, in Little Overington, wherever that is.

B2 in every case:

Wherever possible I use honey instead of sugar.

 

wherever / weəˈrev.ə r /   / werˈev.ɚ / adverb

used instead of 'where' to add emphasis to a phrase, usually expressing surprise:

Wherever did you find that hat!

Wherever did you get that idea!

Wherever does he get the money from to go on all these exotic journeys?

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

wherever

[(h)weəre̱və(r)]
 1) CONJ-SUBORD You use wherever to indicate that something happens or is true in any place or situation.
  Some people enjoy themselves wherever they are...
  Jack believed in finding happiness wherever possible...
  By simply planning a route, you can explore at will and stop whenever and wherever you like.
 2) CONJ-SUBORD You use wherever when you indicate that you do not know where a person or place is.
  I'd like to leave as soon as possible and join my children, wherever they are...
  `Till we meet again, wherever that is,' said the chairman.
 3) QUEST (emphasis) You use wherever in questions as an emphatic form of `where', usually when you are surprised about something.
  Wherever did you get that idea?...
  Wherever have you been?
 4) PHRASE: n-proper/prep PHR (vagueness) You use or wherever to say that something might happen in a place other than the place you have mentioned, but that you are not able to say exactly where. [INFORMAL]
  The next day she was gone to Lusaka, Kampala, or wherever.
  ...language which will allow the students in class or wherever to express their opinions.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

wherever

 

2wherever conj
1 : at, in, or to any place that
• We can have lunch wherever [=anywhere] you like.
• Bodyguards follow the singer wherever [=everywhere] she goes.
2 : in any situation in which : at any time that
Wherever [=whenever] (it is) possible, I try to help out.
wherever that may be or wherever that is
- used to say that you do not know where a place is
• She's from Jefferson City, wherever that may be.

 

 

1wher·ev·er /weɚˈɛvɚ/ adv
1 : in what place : where
- used in questions that express surprise or confusion
Wherever [=where on earth; where in the world] have you been?
Wherever did you get that hat?
Wherever did I put my keys?
2 : in, at, or to any place
• “Where should I put this?” “Oh, just put it wherever.” [=anywhere]
• We can go to the park, the beach, (or) wherever.

.p.m

Used after numbers expressing the time, to show that it is between noon and midnight

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

The meeting starts at 2.30 pm.

 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

p.m.

 abbreviation
You use p.m. after a time to show that it is between midday and midnight:
The plane leaves at 3?p.m.
We use a.m. for times between midnight and midday.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

p.m.

p.m. BrE AmE (also pm British English) /piː ˈem/
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: post meridiem 'after noon']
used after numbers expressing the time, to show that it is between ↑noon and ↑midnight ⇨ a.m.:
The meeting starts at 2.30 pm.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

p.m.

p.m. (NAmE also P.M.)  [ˌpiː ˈem]    [ˌpiː ˈem]  abbreviation
after 12 o'clock noon (from Latin post meridiem )
The appointment is at 3 p.m.
compare  a.m.  
Word Origin:

[p.m.] from Latin post meridiem.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

p.m.

p.m. (TIME), pm /ˌpiːˈem/
ABBREVIATION
used when referring to a time in the afternoon or evening or at night:
We'll be arriving at about 4.30 p.m.
The 6pm train is usually very crowded.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

p.m.

/pi: em/
also pm

p.m. is used after a number to show that you are referring to a particular time between 12 noon and 12 midnight. Compare a.m.
The spa closes at 9:00 pm.

.a.m

Used to talk about times that are after midnight but before midday

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

Work starts at 9 am.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

a.m.

 (American also A.M.) abbreviation
You use a.m. after a time to show that it is between midnight and midday:
I start work at 9?a.m.
You use p.m. for times between midday and midnight.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

a.m.

a.m. BrE AmE (also am British English) /ˌeɪ ˈem/
[Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: ante meridiem 'before noon']
(ante meridiem) used to talk about times that are after ↑midnight but before ↑midday ⇨ p.m.:
Work starts at 9 am.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

a.m.

 

a.m. (NAmE also A.M.)  [ˌeɪ ˈem]    [ˌeɪ ˈem]  abbreviation
between midnight and midday (from Latin ante meridiem )
It starts at 10 a.m.
compare  p.m.  
Word Origin:

[a.m.] from Latin ante meridiem.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

a.m.

a.m. (MORNING), am /ˌeɪˈem/
adverb
used when referring to a time between twelve o'clock at night and twelve o'clock in the middle of the day:
The first election results are expected around 1 a.m.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

a.m.

/eɪ em/
also am

a.m. is used after a number to show that you are referring to a particular time between midnight and noon. Compare p.m.
The program starts at 9 a.m.

downstairs

downstairs
US /ˌdaʊnˈsterz/ 
UK /ˌdaʊnˈsteəz/ 
Example: 

The house has three rooms upstairs.

To or on a lower floor of a building, especially the ground floor

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

Go downstairs and wait for me.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

downstairs

 adverb
to or on a lower floor of a building:
I went downstairs to make breakfast.

>> downstairs adjective:
She lives in the downstairs flat.
 opposite upstairs

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

downstairs

II.   noun

II. down·stairs2 noun
  the downstairs the rooms on the ground floor in a house:
   • We have still got to paint the downstairs.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

downstairs

I. down·stairs [downstairs] adverb, noun   [ˌdaʊnˈsteəz]    [ˌdaʊnˈsterz]

noun singular

the lower floor of a house or building, especially the one at ground level

• We're painting the downstairs.

Opp:  upstairs 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

downstairs / ˌdaʊnˈsteəz /   / -ˈsterz / adverb

A2 to or on a lower floor of a building, especially the ground floor:

I went downstairs to answer the phone.

→  Compare upstairs

 

downstairs adjective

B1

a downstairs bathroom

 

the downstairs noun [ S ]

We've finished decorating upstairs but the downstairs still needs some work.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

downstairs

/daʊnsteə(r)z/

1.
If you go downstairs in a building, you go down a staircase towards the ground floor.
Denise went downstairs and made some tea.
upstairs
ADV: ADV after v

2.
If something or someone is downstairs in a building, they are on the ground floor or on a lower floor than you.
The telephone was downstairs in the entrance hall...
upstairs
ADV: be ADV, n ADV

3.
Downstairs means situated on the ground floor of a building or on a lower floor than you are.
She repainted the downstairs rooms and closed off the second floor.
upstairs
ADJ: ADJ n

4.
The downstairs of a building is its lower floor or floors.
The downstairs of the two little houses had been entirely refashioned.
upstairs
N-SING: the N

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

downstairs

3down·stairs /ˈdaʊnˈsteɚz/ noun
the downstairs : the lower and usually main floor of a building
The downstairs needs to be cleaned.
• We painted the downstairs.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - adverb