Twilight Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtwaɪlaɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The time of day when day meets night, or the period between day and night, characterized by soft, diffused light.

Examples

• The park was beautiful during twilight, with the sunset casting a warm glow.
• The photographer waited for the right moment to capture the perfect twilight shot.

Synonyms

• Dusk
• Evening

Antonyms

• Dawn
• Noon

Additional Information

Twilight is often considered a time of transition, a period when the world is neither fully awake nor asleep. This time of day can be peaceful and contemplative, or it can be a time for relaxation and recreation. The soft, diffused light of twilight can also create a beautiful and serene atmosphere, often used in photography and art. Many cultures have their own unique traditions and customs associated with twilight, such as the Japanese festival of Obon, which is celebrated during this time.

Twilight can also refer to a specific type of novel or film genre, characterized by supernatural or paranormal elements, often with a romance theme. The term was popularized by the Stephenie Meyer novel series “Twilight,” which follows the story of a human girl who falls in love with a vampire.

Etymology

The word “twilight” is derived from the Old English words “twa” meaning “two” and “lic” meaning “light”, referring to the time of day when day and night are two separate lights.

Usage Notes

The word “twilight” can be used in various contexts, including poetry, literature, photography, and even as a metaphor for a specific stage of life or a moment of introspection.

When using the word “twilight” in a sentence, it’s essential to consider the context and audience, as it can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

Cultural References

• The Stephenie Meyer novel series “Twilight” (2005-2008)
• The film adaptation of “Twilight” (2008)
• The Japanese festival of Obon, celebrated during twilight

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “In the twilight of their lives” (referring to the later stages of life)
• “A twilight moment” (referring to a moment of introspection or self-discovery)

Related Words or Phrases

• Dawn
• Noon
• Dusk

Collocations

• “Twilight hours” (referring to the time of day between day and night)
• “Twilight creatures” (referring to supernatural or paranormal beings)

Frequency of Use

The word “twilight” is relatively common in modern language, particularly in literary and poetic contexts.

According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “twilight” appears in approximately 1.5% of all written texts.

Common Misspellings

• “Twilite”
• “Twylight”