Daytime: meaning, definitions and examples

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daytime

[ˈdeɪˌtaɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time of day

The time of day when it is light, from the time when the sun rises to the time when it sets.

Synonyms

daylight hours, daytime hours.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
daytime	This word is used to talk about the period of time between sunrise and sunset, when it is light outside. It's commonly used in everyday conversation. I usually work during the daytime. Daytime temperatures are expected to be very high this summer.
daylight hours	This phrase is often used in more formal or technical contexts to refer specifically to the time when there is natural light from the sun. It is commonly used in discussions about safety, energy use, or activities that must take place in natural light. The park is only open during daylight hours. Experts recommend doing outdoor activities during daylight hours for safety.
daytime hours	This expression can be used similarly to 'daytime' but often emphasizes the specific hours during which it is light outside. It's usually used in contexts where specific times of the day are being discussed, often in schedules or guidelines. Customers can call our support line during daytime hours. The library is open only during daytime hours on weekends.

Word

Description / Examples

daytime

This word is used to talk about the period of time between sunrise and sunset, when it is light outside. It's commonly used in everyday conversation.

I usually work during the daytime.
Daytime temperatures are expected to be very high this summer.

daylight hours

This phrase is often used in more formal or technical contexts to refer specifically to the time when there is natural light from the sun. It is commonly used in discussions about safety, energy use, or activities that must take place in natural light.

The park is only open during daylight hours.
Experts recommend doing outdoor activities during daylight hours for safety.

daytime hours

This expression can be used similarly to 'daytime' but often emphasizes the specific hours during which it is light outside. It's usually used in contexts where specific times of the day are being discussed, often in schedules or guidelines.

Customers can call our support line during daytime hours.
The library is open only during daytime hours on weekends.

Examples of usage

I prefer to do outdoor activities during the daytime.
The daytime is perfect for sightseeing and exploring new places.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

time frame

The period of the day between morning and night; the hours of daylight.

Synonyms

daylight, daytime hours.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
daytime	When referring to the general period of the day from sunrise to sunset, often used in contrast to nighttime. She prefers to do her workouts during the daytime. Daytime temperatures can vary significantly.
daylight	When emphasizing natural light from the sun without artificial lighting, commonly used in contexts related to visibility or outdoor activities. The crime took place in broad daylight. We have to finish the hike before we run out of daylight.
daytime hours	Specifically indicating the hours during the daytime, often used in professional, business, or legal settings to specify a timeframe. The office is open only during daytime hours. Daytime hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Word

Description / Examples

daytime

When referring to the general period of the day from sunrise to sunset, often used in contrast to nighttime.

She prefers to do her workouts during the daytime.
Daytime temperatures can vary significantly.

daylight

When emphasizing natural light from the sun without artificial lighting, commonly used in contexts related to visibility or outdoor activities.

The crime took place in broad daylight.
We have to finish the hike before we run out of daylight.

daytime hours

Specifically indicating the hours during the daytime, often used in professional, business, or legal settings to specify a timeframe.

The office is open only during daytime hours.
Daytime hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Examples of usage

She works during the daytime and relaxes in the evening.
The daytime is when most people are active and productive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'daytime' is a combination of 'day,' from Old English 'dæg,' meaning 'the period of light between dawn and dusk,' and 'time,' from Old English 'tima,' meaning 'the measured or measurable period.'
'Day' originally referred to the time of sunlight, distinguishing it from 'night,' which refers to darkness.
In different languages, words for daytime often also incorporate meanings related to light and activity, reflecting cultural significance through time.

Science

Daytime is caused by the Earth's rotation, which makes different parts of the planet face the sun, leading to varying light exposure.
The amount of daylight varies depending on the season and location, with equatorial regions experiencing relatively constant daytime hours throughout the year.
During daytime, plants engage in photosynthesis, using sunlight to produce energy, which is vital for the food chain.

Culture

Many cultures have specific daytime rituals, such as morning prayers or communal meals, that mark the beginning of daily activity.
Daytime is often associated with productivity in modern societies, impacting work schedules and business hours.
Literature frequently contrasts daytime and nighttime to explore themes of safety versus danger, clarity versus confusion.

Psychology

People tend to be more energetic and active during daytime due to the influence of sunlight on circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep patterns.
Exposure to natural light during daytime can enhance mood and improve mental well-being, reducing feelings of depression.
Daytime activities and social interactions can help reinforce community bonds and support emotional health.

Art

Various art movements, such as Impressionism, often highlight the beauty of daytime light and how it transforms landscapes and everyday scenes.
Daytime settings in paintings and literature evoke feelings of happiness, warmth, and openness, contrasting with darker, more mysterious nighttime themes.
Photographers often chase the 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset to capture the stunning light that characterizes daytime.

Translations

Translations of the word "daytime" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tempo diurno

🇮🇳 दिन

🇩🇪 Tageszeit

🇮🇩 siang hari

🇺🇦 денний час

🇵🇱 czas dzienny

🇯🇵 昼間 (ひるま)

🇫🇷 temps de jour

🇪🇸 tiempo diurno

🇹🇷 gündüz

🇰🇷 낮 시간

🇸🇦 النهار

🇨🇿 denní doba

🇸🇰 denný čas

🇨🇳 白天

🇸🇮 dnevni čas

🇮🇸 dags tími

🇰🇿 күндізгі уақыт

🇬🇪 დღის დრო

🇦🇿 gündüz vaxtı

🇲🇽 tiempo diurno