VocabDictionary

one sec

/wสŒn sษ›k/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.idiom

An informal request for someone to wait for a very short period of time.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œOne sec, I just need to tie my shoelaces before we head out.โ€
  • โ€œCan you hold the door for me one sec? My hands are full.โ€
2.noun

A very brief moment or a short duration of time.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe whole process only took one sec.โ€
  • โ€œI'll be with you in just one sec.โ€
Share & Learn With Friends

Share โ€œone secโ€ with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œone secโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

A colloquial clipping of the phrase 'one second.' The term 'second' derives from the Latin 'secunda,' referring to the 'second' small division of an hour (the first being a minute). In informal spoken English, particularly since the mid-20th century, 'second' is frequently shortened to 'sec' to emphasize brevity and speed in casual conversation.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'sec' as a 'second' on a clockโ€”just a tiny tick of time before I'm ready.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œone secโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œone secโ€ in English?

In English, one sec (idiom) is defined as: โ€œAn informal request for someone to wait for a very short period of time.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œone secโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œOne sec, I just need to tie my shoelaces before we head out.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œone secโ€?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œone secโ€?

A colloquial clipping of the phrase 'one second.' The term 'second' derives from the Latin 'secunda,' referring to the 'second' small division of an hour (the first being a minute). In informal spoken English, particularly since the mid-20th century, 'second' is frequently shortened to 'sec' to emphasize brevity and speed in casual conversation.