What does twilight mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈtwɪlaɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The time of day immediately following sunset, characterized by a soft, warm light.

Examples

• The couple took a romantic walk during twilight.
• The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink during twilight.

Synonyms

• Dusk
• Evening

Antonyms

• Daybreak
• Dawn

Additional Information

Twilight is often considered a magical time of day, as the fading light creates a sense of mystery and enchantment. It is also a popular time for outdoor activities, such as hiking or stargazing. In some cultures, twilight is believed to be a time of spiritual significance, where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

In literature and art, twilight has been used as a metaphor for the threshold between reality and fantasy, or the blurred lines between good and evil. It has also been used to describe the period of transition from one stage of life to another.

Etymology

The word “twilight” comes from the Old English “twi-” meaning “two” and “-light” meaning “light”. It originally referred to the period of time when both daylight and darkness were present.

Usage Notes

Twilight can be used as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it refers to the time of day. As an adjective, it describes something that is related to or characteristic of this time.

Cultural References

Twilight has been featured prominently in popular culture, including in literature, film, and music. Examples include the Twilight book series by Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight Zone TV series, and the song “Twilight” by Elliott Smith.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Twilight can be used in idiomatic expressions such as “in the twilight of one’s life”, meaning towards the end of one’s life, or “a twilight zone”, meaning a state of confusion or ambiguity.

Related Words or Phrases

• Dawn
• Dusk
• Evening
• Midnight

Collocations

• twilight hours
• twilight zone
• twilight years

Frequency of Use

Twilight is a moderately common word in modern language, used in a variety of contexts including literature, poetry, and everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• twilite
• twillight
• twyilight