Meaning of time

Time means the progress of events, and also the way in which this progress of events is measured (using hours, days, years and so on).

Time can also mean the point in time to which a person is referring. For example, in the question ‘what’s the time?’, the speaker is asking about a specific point in time - a specific moment in the ongoing progress of events.

Time is a word with a Germanic origin. The old English and Germanic words ‘tide’ and ‘tima’ both mean time. However, they also mean tide (as in the tides of the sea). There is something significant about this definition. It encapsulates how, just as the tides of the sea continue moving in a way that is observable and measurable, so to do events continue progressing in a way that is observable and measurable. So, in sum, time refers to:

• The progression of events.
• The way of measuring the progression of events using hours, seconds, years and so on.
• Specific moments in time, such as three o’clock or January 2nd.
• Metaphorically, via etymologically cognate words, the tide like motion of history and life.
• A specific space of time (for instance, a lifetime or the time allowed for an exam).

Importance and value of time

Time once past cannot be brought back by any means and it is important to understand the value of time. Time is money. There goes a proverb , “Time and tide wait for none“.

Time is invaluable. In-fact, time is more valuable than money. Time is very valuable partly for the reason that we are all only allotted a certain amount of time in our lives, and so we need to make sure that we use it wisely. Nothing can stop the flow of time. Time once past cannot be brought back by any means.

However, some people do not realize the value of time and spend it unwisely. Instead of focusing on important tasks at hand, they waste their time, thinking that they would make up the loss in the future. They should realize that many of the future troubles can be avoided by taking prompt action in a timely manner. The famous proverb, “a stitch in time saves nine“, also highlights the importance of sorting out problem at early stage.

Importance of Time-management for success: Time-management always remains the critical success factor. If anybody wastes his childhood, he will not be able to acquire and build up character in future and will suffer all consequences. Similarly, if a student neglects his studies from day-to-day, no amount of hard labor before the examination will get him through. Time-management is a good habit and lays the foundation of a success in future.

Punctuality and Timeliness: A person who understands the importance of time practices punctuality in life. A punctual person, who uses his time cautiously, becomes successful in life. If we look around we will see that the successful people in all spheres of life made proper use of every moment of their time. The most prosperous nations too are those that do not waste any moment.

A person who is not punctual finds it difficult to finish his own duties. If he is not able to perform his duties, then it may incurs the displeasure of others. In the military field delay by a few minutes may change the destiny of a nation.

Courtesy: Being on time, and being aware of what time it is, ensures that we will not turn up late for our appointments. This is very important if we want to treat other people with politeness and respect. Their time is valuable, just like ours is, and we should not cause them to waste it.

Future is unseen: It is true that nobody can accurately forecast the future. There are many things that are beyond the control of human-beings. The economy and financial situation of countries are fast changing.

Though the future is unseen, man can work hard today to increase the probability of a better future. People should use their time properly. We should try our best to avoid the habit of indolence and begin to do our jobs in time. It will surely brighten our future.

Value of time during emergency situations: The weather condition always remains uncertain. There remains the risk of natural calamities. To tackle the situation of natural calamities, the government and other organizations are coming up with “Disaster Management and Recovery Plans”. During the times of emergency, the disaster recovery teams are expected to act fast without wasting a single minute.

Money Value of Time

The “money value of time” means how much money we can make in a given time. Alternatively, it can mean the subjective monetary value that we place on our time.

These two things may not be equivalent. The money value of time can be set by an employer. Or, it can be set by another individual.

There is a common proverb used to express this idea. It is: time is money.

Reasons Why Time Has a Monetary Value.

1. We would often exchange money to get more time.
2. We often exchange our time for money (e.g. when we are at work).
3. The more efficiently we work, the more money we can make.
4. Interest on our savings will only accrue over time.
5. On the stock market, shares can rise or fall in value in very short spaces of time.
6. Many jobs are paid per hour or per year, thus assigning a clear monetary value to time.
7. When we buy a watch or another timepiece, we may be said to be placing a monetary value on the ability to tell the time.

Conclusion: A person who understands the importance of time work in an efficient manner. The more efficiently we act, the more time we will have left over for future projects. If we look all around important events of history, we will see that all successful people of history made the best use of time. The prosperous people of the world are very conscious about the value of time. Hence, we should never waste our time and try to make the best use of it.

Contributors: (1) Anurag, (2) Laura

Compiled by editor.