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Dusk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dusk

[dสŒsk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

time of day

the time of day when the sky starts to get dark but night has not yet arrived

Synonyms

evening, sunset, twilight.

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Word Description / Examples
dusk

The time just after the sun has set, but before it gets completely dark.

  • The streetlights turn on at dusk.
  • We should head home before dusk falls.
sunset

The moment when the sun disappears below the horizon. It is also often used to describe the beautiful colors in the sky during this time.

  • They watched the sunset from the beach.
  • The sunset was stunning with shades of pink and orange.
evening

The period of time from the end of the afternoon until night. It is a more general term and can refer to the time after 6 PM to bedtime.

  • We went out for dinner in the evening.
  • She often takes a walk in the evening.
twilight

The period of time just after sunset (or just before sunrise), during which the sky is partly illuminated. It is slightly longer and often more poetic than 'dusk'.

  • The garden looked magical in the twilight.
  • Bats start flying around during twilight.

Examples of usage

  • The birds start singing at dusk.
  • We decided to have a picnic at dusk.
Context #2 | Noun

literary

the darker stage of twilight

Synonyms

eventide, nightfall.

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Word Description / Examples
dusk

Dusk refers to the time just before it becomes dark in the evening. It is often used in a poetic or romantic context to describe the fading light.

  • We took a walk along the beach at dusk
  • The city looked magical at dusk
nightfall

Nightfall refers to the time when darkness begins and the night starts. It is often used in a descriptive, storytelling, or formal context.

  • They planned to reach the camp before nightfall
  • The streets were deserted by nightfall
eventide

Eventide is an old-fashioned or literary term for the evening. It is rarely used in everyday conversation and is mostly found in poetry or classical literature.

  • The calm moonlit eventide was perfect for reflection
  • We met at eventide to discuss our plans

Examples of usage

  • The forest was cloaked in shadow at dusk.
  • The city lights began to twinkle at dusk.
Context #3 | Verb

becoming darker

to grow dark or to make something grow dark

Synonyms

darken, dim.

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Word Description / Examples
dusk

Used to describe the time of day when the sun has just set, and it is becoming dark, but it is not yet fully nighttime. It is often associated with a gentle, peaceful atmosphere.

  • They decided to take a walk during dusk to watch the colors of the sky change
  • The streetlights began to turn on as dusk settled over the city
darken

Refers to the process of becoming darker or making something darker. It's often used to describe changes in lighting or color.

  • The sky began to darken as storm clouds gathered
  • She used a filter to darken the photo for a dramatic effect
dim

Describes a decrease in brightness or light. It can also refer to reducing the strength or intensity of something, often in a gentle or subtle way.

  • He dimmed the lights to create a cozy atmosphere in the room
  • The stars appeared dim from the city due to the light pollution

Examples of usage

  • The room began to dusk as the sun set.
  • She closed the curtains to dusk the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In many cultures, dusk is seen as a magical time, often associated with stories of transformation and mystery.
  • Itโ€™s a time when many creatures come alive, like fireflies, leading to various folklore about spirits and night creatures.
  • Many artists and poets have drawn inspiration from the beautiful transition of colors at dusk, making it a favorite subject in art.

Science

  • During dusk, the angle of the sun causes light to scatter, resulting in vibrant colors like red, orange, and purple in the sky.
  • Physiologically, dusk is crucial for animal behavior. Many species become more active as they prepare for nighttime.
  • Circadian rhythms in humans and animals are influenced by the shift from daylight to dusk, signaling itโ€™s time to rest or be alert.

Literature

  • Dusk often symbolizes endings and new beginnings, as seen in various literary works where characters undergo change.
  • In poetry, dusk can evoke feelings of nostalgia or contemplation as day turns to night, inspiring deep reflections.
  • Writers often use dusk to create a mood of suspense or mystery, perfect for thrilling narratives.

Psychology

  • The calming transition of dusk can lead to feelings of relaxation and introspection, promoting mental well-being.
  • Many people report a change in their mood or emotional state as they experience dusk, often moving towards reflection.
  • In urban studies, dusks are significant for social patterns, as people often venture out for evening activities during this time.

Origin of 'dusk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dusk' comes from the Old English 'dลซsc,' which means 'to grow dark.'
  • Similar words in other languages like 'crepuscule' in French also point to the idea of fading light.
  • In Middle English, the term was used to describe twilight, highlighting its significance in everyday life.

The word 'dusk' originated from the Old English word 'dox', which means dark. The concept of dusk has been present in human language and culture for centuries, symbolizing the transition between day and night. It is a poetic and evocative time of day that has inspired artists, writers, and musicians throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,911, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.