February

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈfebruːɛri/ or /ˈfebrʊəri/

Definitions

1. noun: The second month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, typically having 28 days, or 29 days in a leap year.

Usage Examples

• The meeting will be held in February, after the holiday season ends.
• February is known for its short days and cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere.
• She was born on the 14th of February, a day celebrated as Valentine's Day.

Etymology

The name "February" comes from the Latin word "februarius," named after Februa, an early Roman festival and cleansing ritual held on February 15. It is derived from the Latin verb "februare," meaning "to purify."

Synonyms

• Second month
• Month of love (informal, due to Valentine's Day)

Antonyms

• January (previous month)
• March (next month)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In certain regions, "February" is often pronounced as "Feb-yoo-ary" instead of the more common "Feb-roo-ary," with the emphasis on the first syllable in both cases. Some dialects in the UK may also pronounce it with a slight variation in vowel sounds, such as "Feb-ree-ary."

Historical Usage

February, as the second month in the modern Gregorian calendar, has always been associated with the Roman calendar. It was originally the last month of the year before January and February were added to the beginning of the year. The name February comes from the Latin term "februum," meaning purification, due to the Roman festival of Februa, a time of ritual purification.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, February is linked to romantic celebrations, particularly due to Valentine's Day on February 14th. It is a month that often symbolizes love, affection, and celebration of relationships. Additionally, in the Northern Hemisphere, February is associated with winter, often bringing cold weather and, in some regions, snow.

More Information

February is unique among the months of the year because of its variability, being the shortest month with either 28 or 29 days, depending on whether it is a leap year. It plays an important role in many cultural and religious observances, such as Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras, and various harvest festivals. In literature and popular culture, February is often depicted as a cold and harsh month, but it is also a symbol of hope as it leads into the arrival of spring.