AM
noun (countable)
UK/ˈeɪm/US/ˈeɪm/
Amplitude Modulation, a method of radio broadcasting using varying the amplitude of the carrier signal.
Example Sentences
She listens to her favorite talk show on AM radio every morning.
AM stations often have talk shows and news broadcasts.
During the night, the AM signal can travel longer distances.
He bought an old AM radio to enjoy vintage broadcasts.
AM radio is more susceptible to interference compared to FM.
They installed an AM antenna to improve their radio reception.
The concert was broadcast live on multiple AM stations across the country.
AM is one of the earliest forms of radio broadcasting.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/æm/US/æm/
First person singular present of the verb 'to be'.
Example Sentences
I am happy to help you with your project.
I am learning to speak Spanish.
I am ready for the test.
I am writing a letter to my friend.
I am feeling tired after the workout.
I am studying for my exams.
I am at home right now.
I am enjoying the conversation.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Time designation from midnight until midday (ante meridiem).“AM” is an abbreviation derived from the Latin phrase “ante meridiem,” which translates to “before midday.” It designates the time period from midnight (00:00) to just before noon (11:59), helping distinguish it from “PM” (“post meridiem,” meaning “after midday”). In daily life, “AM” is typically used in 12-hour clock notation: for instance, 6:00 AM signals early morning, while 11:59 AM marks the end of the morning period. This notation is widely recognized in countries and contexts that rely on the 12-hour clock system. Businesses and schedules commonly reference it: a store might open at 9:00 AM, or a television program may begin at 7:00 AM. Alarm clocks, timetables, and diaries often default to 12-hour time plus “AM” or “PM” to reduce confusion. In professional writing or scientific contexts—such as aviation, medical, or meteorological fields—some prefer the 24-hour clock (also known as “military time”) because it eliminates the need for “AM” or “PM.” For instance, 01:00 indicates 1:00 in the morning, and 11:00 means 11:00 AM with no extra designation. Nevertheless, “AM” remains very common and offers a quick, intuitive signal of the morning time block.When using “AM” in formal documents, ensure consistency: if you are using 12-hour clock references, keep them uniform throughout. Also note that, by convention, midnight is labeled as 12:00 AM, marking the start of a new day, even though “ante meridiem” literally means before noon. The precise usage can vary by style guide (some prefer 12:00 midnight or 00:00 in 24-hour format), so be sure to confirm your audience’s expectations. Overall, “AM” is a crucial element of timekeeping that sets the morning and pre-noon hours apart in daily schedules, from personal alarms to global business transactions. Whether you’re planning a breakfast meeting, catching an early flight, or simply recording your morning workout, “AM” keeps your time references clear and consistent in a 12-hour cycle.
Alternatives
Sometimes, you may choose alternative notations or structures to convey early-day hours. For instance, using the 24-hour clock (00:00 to 11:59) removes the need for “AM” or “PM,” simplifying international communication and reducing misunderstandings. This format is standard in many military, scientific, and medical contexts.In casual conversations, you might simply say “morning” if it’s clear from context what segment of the day you mean. For example, “I’ll see you in the morning” might suffice among friends. Similarly, digital platforms and smart devices may show the exact time alongside location-based time zones rather than explicitly labeling “AM.”While “AM” is firmly rooted in everyday usage, these alternatives—24-hour time, descriptive language (“early hours,” “morning”), or context-based references—offer flexibility. They can be particularly helpful if you’re addressing an audience unfamiliar with the 12-hour clock. By considering culture and context, you ensure everyone understands the times you specify, whether you’re scheduling a meeting, posting an international webinar, or documenting times in a project plan.
Writing
In formal or academic writing that references specific times, clarity is vital. If you choose a 12-hour format, using “AM” consistently across your document maintains coherence and avoids any uncertainty about time. For instance, a paper might state, “Data collection began at 8:00 AM each morning and ended at 11:00 AM.” This approach works well if your audience is accustomed to or expects 12-hour clock notation.Nevertheless, if your writing targets an international or interdisciplinary audience, consider using the 24-hour format to avoid confusion caused by time zone differences, daylight saving adjustments, or cultural preferences. For example, stating “Data collection began at 08:00 and concluded at 11:00 each day” makes your schedule universally clear, even for readers who don’t regularly use “AM” or “PM.” You can also include both formats for thoroughness: “Interviews occurred at 9:00 AM (09:00) each morning.” This dual labeling is especially helpful in documents that may be translated or used in multiple regions. Finally, ensure any instructions, schedules, or event details in your text align with the designated time notation from start to finish. Inconsistency can lead to misinterpretation, missed deadlines, or scheduling conflicts. An easy way to maintain uniformity is to consult a style guide or create a simple rule for your own writing: choose either the 12-hour or 24-hour system and apply it consistently throughout the entire document. By doing so, you minimize ambiguity, maintain a polished tone, and help your readers stay on track with your content.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “AM” is used so frequently that it’s practically automatic: “What time should I come over?” “Let’s meet at 10 AM.” There’s rarely a need for formal clarifications. If you’re texting friends or discussing daily routines, “AM” quickly conveys that you mean the morning portion of the day, often without further detail. However, confusion can arise around the boundaries of the day. For instance, “12:00 AM” is technically midnight, which can feel contradictory to new learners of English (“If it’s 12, shouldn’t that be midday?”). In everyday chats, people might say “midnight” rather than “12:00 AM” to avoid mix-ups, especially if you’re organizing events or setting up a schedule across time zones. When planning activities like breakfast meetups, morning gym visits, or early flights, simply mentioning “AM” times tends to suffice among friends, colleagues, or family members. You don’t usually need to specify “AM” for each instance if it’s clear you’re discussing the same morning hours. For example, you might say, “I’ll grab you at 7,” and if it’s understood to be in the morning, “AM” becomes implied. This flexibility aligns well with the casual, shorthand nature of everyday communication.
Etymology
“AM” is short for “ante meridiem,” which stems from Latin and literally means “before midday.” Latin served as the scholarly and administrative language of the Roman Empire, and many of its phrases have persisted in legal, religious, and scientific contexts to this day. “Ante meridiem” was likely used in earlier timekeeping efforts to differentiate morning hours from afternoon or evening hours (which is “post meridiem,” or “PM”). Over centuries, as clocks and watches developed, 12-hour cycles needed a clear dividing line to mark when the day shifted from dark to light. The early English-speaking world adopted “AM” and “PM” as standard abbreviations, bridging the ancient Latin terminology with everyday scheduling. While the 24-hour clock offers a more streamlined universal system, “AM” remains prevalent, especially in regions that historically used British conventions. Today, these two letters are so ingrained in daily life that few people think about their Latin roots. Nevertheless, each time you note “AM,” you’re tapping into a linguistic heritage that dates back millennia.