Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈæl.mə.næk/

Definitions

1. A book or annual publication containing information such as weather forecasts, planting dates, tide tables, and other data, often for a specific region or profession.
2. A concise reference book typically containing facts, statistics, or other useful information, often published annually.

Usage Examples

• The farmer consulted the almanac to check the best planting times for the crops.
• He bought an almanac to stay updated on the latest world events and statistics.

Etymology

From Middle French "almanach" (from Old French, which is derived from Arabic "al-manākh," meaning "the climate" or "the calendar").

Synonyms

• Calendar
• Yearbook
• Directory
• Annual

Antonyms

• Randomness
• Disorganization
• Chaos

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "almanac" may vary slightly in different English-speaking regions. In British English, the pronunciation tends to emphasize the first syllable, while in American English, the stress can vary slightly with the second syllable.

Historical Usage

Almanacs have been published for centuries, with the first known examples dating back to ancient times. They were particularly important in agricultural societies for providing essential information on lunar cycles, weather patterns, and seasonal events. Over time, the content of almanacs expanded to include information on astronomy, politics, and even literature.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, almanacs were an essential part of daily life, especially in rural communities, as they provided guidance for farming, festivals, and other seasonal activities. They were often regarded as a trusted source of information and were sometimes even used for forecasting future events based on celestial phenomena.

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