Wee hours: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Wee hours” mean?

"Wee hours" means the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I stayed up studying until the wee hours of the morning.

Example

They partied until the wee hours and then slept all day.

Example

The bakery opens in the wee hours to serve fresh pastries

Is “Wee hours” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Wee hours” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Wee hours” effectively in context?

You can use "wee hours" to refer to the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn. It emphasizes the late or early time of an event or activity. For example, if you want to say that you stayed up very late studying, you could say, 'I stayed up studying until the "wee hours" of the morning.'

  • 1Studying

    I stayed up studying until the wee hours of the morning.

  • 2Partying

    They partied until the wee hours and then slept all day.

  • 3Bakery Opening

    The bakery opens in the wee hours to serve fresh pastries.

Similar phrases to “Wee hours”:

During the late hours of the night

Example

They had a deep conversation late at night.

Very early in the morning, at sunrise

Example

They woke up at the crack of dawn to go for a run.

In the small hours

During the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and dawn

Example

He couldn't sleep and spent the night reading in the small hours.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Wee hours” come from?

The origin of the phrase "wee hours" is unknown.

Is “Wee hours” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "wee hours" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe activities or events that happen very late at night or in the early morning.

What tone does “Wee hours” have?

"Wee hours" conveys a tone of informality and casualness. It's often used in a relaxed context to talk about staying up late or engaging in activities during the late night or early morning hours.

Can “Wee hours” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "wee hours" is considered an informal expression. It's commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be appropriate to use in more formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I stayed up studying until the wee hours.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I was up until the "wee hours"!' to imply staying up late.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

  • early morning
  • late night
  • small hours
  • early hours

Antonyms

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