AM vs. PM: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 14, 2024
AM (Ante Meridiem) refers to the time from midnight to noon, while PM (Post Meridiem) indicates the time from noon to midnight in a 12-hour clock system.
Key Differences
AM, standing for Ante Meridiem, represents the time from midnight (00:00) to just before noon (11:59). PM, or Post Meridiem, denotes the time from noon (12:00) until just before midnight (23:59). Both are used to differentiate hours in a day.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
In the 12-hour clock system, AM signifies morning hours, a time typically associated with starting daily activities. PM, on the other hand, covers the afternoon and evening hours, often associated with the latter part of daily routines.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
When scheduling events, AM is used to indicate times before noon. For example, a meeting set for 10:00 AM occurs in the morning. Conversely, PM is used for events after 12:00 noon, like a dinner at 7:00 PM.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
The use of AM and PM avoids confusion in the 12-hour clock by clearly dividing the day into two halves. Each half consists of 12 hours, making time-telling more straightforward for everyday activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
AM times are generally quieter and cooler, considered suitable for activities like exercise or study. PM times, especially evenings, are often reserved for social activities, relaxation, or entertainment.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Time Range
Midnight to noon (00:00 – 11:59)
Noon to midnight (12:00 – 23:59)
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Feb 14, 2024
Typical Activities
Morning routines, exercise, work
Afternoon tasks, social events, rest
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Feb 14, 2024
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AM and PM Definitions
AM
Time period from midnight to just before noon.
The flight is scheduled to depart at 9:00 AM.
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Jan 19, 2024
PM
Time period from noon to just before midnight.
The movie starts at 8:00 PM.
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Jan 19, 2024
AM
Indicates the first half of the day in a 12-hour clock.
My appointment is at 11:00 AM.
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Jan 19, 2024
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PM
Indicates the second half of the day in a 12-hour clock.
Our meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM.
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Jan 19, 2024
AM
Often associated with the start of daily activities.
The store opens at 7:00 AM.
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Jan 19, 2024
PM
Often associated with the latter part of the day's activities.
The show airs at 10:00 PM.
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Jan 19, 2024
AM
The first person singular of the verb be, in the indicative mode, present tense. See Be.
God said unto Moses, I am that am.
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Jan 17, 2024
PM
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
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Jan 17, 2024
AM
A radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
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Jan 17, 2024
PM
A soft silvery metallic element of the rare earth group having no stable isotope; was discovered in radioactive form as a fission product of uranium
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Jan 17, 2024
AM
Ante Meridiem, Latin for "before midday."
The seminar starts at 10:00 AM.
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Jan 19, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 12:00 be both AM and PM?
Yes, 12:00 AM is midnight, and 12:00 PM is noon.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
Does AM refer to morning times?
Yes, AM refers to the time from midnight to just before noon.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
What does PM stand for?
PM stands for Post Meridiem, Latin for "after midday."
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Feb 14, 2024
Is PM used for evening times?
Yes, PM is used for times from noon to midnight, covering afternoons and evenings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
What does AM stand for?
AM stands for Ante Meridiem, Latin for "before midday."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
Is 11:59 the last minute of AM?
Yes, 11:59 AM is the last minute before noon.
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Feb 14, 2024
Are AM times typically cooler?
Generally, yes, since they include early morning hours.
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Feb 14, 2024
Would 8:00 PM be considered night?
Yes, it's considered evening or night time.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
Why do we use AM and PM?
They help differentiate times in the 12-hour clock system.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
Is a time like 3:00 always AM or PM?
It must be specified as either 3:00 AM or 3:00 PM.
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Feb 14, 2024
Are PM times associated with winding down activities?
Typically, yes, especially in the late PM hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 14, 2024
Do AM times indicate the start of a new day?
Yes, a new day starts at 12:00 AM.
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Feb 14, 2024
Do digital clocks display AM and PM?
Yes, most 12-hour format digital clocks display AM or PM.
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Feb 14, 2024
Are business hours usually in AM or PM?
They typically start in AM and can extend into PM.
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Feb 14, 2024
Can AM and PM be used in military time?
No, military time uses a 24-hour format without AM or PM.
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Feb 14, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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