sometime
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsʌmtaɪm/
KK: /ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/
adjective
Definition
Referring to a time in the past or occasionally; not always present or active.
Example
She was a sometime writer, contributing articles only when she felt inspired.
Conversation
I heard Sarah used to be a sometime photographer before her new job.
Yeah, I remember her showing us some of her work.
It's interesting how people change careers like that; she has a lot of talent.
Definitely! I think she just found something she loves even more.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
occasional
former
intermittent
Antonyms
constant
perpetual
regular
adverb
Definition
At an unspecified time in the past or future; occasionally.
Example
We should meet sometime next week to discuss the project.
Conversation
Do you think we should plan a trip sometime next month?
That sounds great! I’ve been wanting to get away for a bit.
Yeah, maybe we can decide on a destination sometime this week.
Root Explanation
Sometime → It is formed from "some" (from Old English "sum", meaning a certain amount or unspecified) and "time" (from Old English "tima", meaning a period or duration). The word "sometime" refers to an unspecified time or a certain time in the past or future.
Memory Tip
Think of 'some' as referring to an unspecified amount and 'time' as a period — together, they help you remember that 'sometime' means at an unspecified time.
Visually Confused Words
septime
onetime