Eventide: meaning, definitions and examples

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eventide

[iːv(ə)ntʌɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time of day

The period of the evening; dusk.

Synonyms

dusk, evening, twilight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eventide	Use this word in a poetic or literary setting. It conveys a sense of time passing into night with a gentle and serene atmosphere. As eventide approached, the village lights began to glow softly. They walked together through the meadow, savoring the tranquility of eventide.
dusk	This word refers to the time just before night when the sun has set but it's not completely dark yet. It can be utilized in everyday conversation or descriptive writing. The kids played outside until dusk. The sky was a gradient of orange and purple as dusk settled over the city.
evening	Evening is a common word used to refer to the time period between late afternoon and night. Suitable for casual conversation or formal writing. We have a dinner reservation for this evening. She prefers to read in the quiet of the evening.
twilight	This word can describe the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, typically used in literature or to evoke a specific mood. The garden looked enchanting in the twilight. They could barely see each other in the dim twilight.

Examples of usage

At eventide, the sky was painted with vibrant colors.
The birds chirped loudly as eventide approached.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literary

The evening time of life; the decline of one's life or career.

Synonyms

autumn, decline, twilight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eventide	This is a poetic or old-fashioned way to refer to the evening. It's often used in literature or poetic contexts. The village was peaceful at eventide, with the sun setting behind the hills. They walked by the lake at eventide, enjoying the cooling breeze.
decline	This word has a negative connotation and is often used to describe a gradual decrease in quality, health, or power. The economy is showing signs of decline after years of prosperity. The old mansion is in a state of decline after years of neglect.
twilight	This term refers to the period just after sunset when the sky is partially lit but the sun is below the horizon. It's often used in a descriptive or romantic context. The garden looked magical in the twilight. They sat by the beach, watching the twilight settle in.
autumn	This term refers to the fall season, characterized by cooler temperatures and falling leaves. It's used in a general context to talk about the season. Autumn is my favorite season because of the beautiful foliage. We always go pumpkin picking in early autumn.

Examples of usage

He spent his eventide reflecting on the memories of his youth.
In the eventide of his career, he was finally able to relax and enjoy life.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from Old English 'ǣfen-tīd', meaning 'evening time', with 'ǣfen' for evening and 'tīd' for time.
In literature, it has been used for centuries to evoke a sense of calmness and reflection as day transitions to night.
The term has appeared in works by famous poets, capturing beauty and tranquility associated with twilight.

Literature

Eventide features frequently in poetry and prose to symbolize the closing of chapters or phases in life.
Several authors, including John Milton and William Wordsworth, utilized the term to convey deeper emotional undertones linked to nature and time.
In modern storytelling, it often represents a period of introspection or change, enhancing themes of time and mortality.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, evening time is considered a moment for family gathering, relaxation, and winding down the day's activities.
Traditional ceremonies or rituals often occur during eventide, as it symbolizes a time to reflect and prepare for the night.
The concept of eventide can be associated with various festivals around the world, marking the transition from day to night.

Art

Numerous artists have painted scenes of eventide to capture the unique colors and emotions present at dusk.
Famous landscape paintings often portray vibrant skies during eventide, showcasing the beauty of nature at day's end.
The mood of a scene can drastically change when depicted as eventide, adding warmth and softness to the visuals.

Science

The transition works in a cycle; eventide triggers changes in animal behavior, like birds returning to their nests or nocturnal animals becoming active.
Scientifically, this time is crucial for plants as many rely on the evening for the cooling of temperatures necessary for photosynthesis.
During eventide, different wavelengths of light impact human emotions, often promoting relaxation and reminding us of day’s end.

Translations

Translations of the word "eventide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anoitecer

🇮🇳 संध्या

🇩🇪 Abenddämmerung

🇮🇩 senja

🇺🇦 вечір

🇵🇱 zmierzch

🇯🇵 夕暮れ (ゆうぐれ)

🇫🇷 crépuscule

🇪🇸 anochecer

🇹🇷 akşamüstü

🇰🇷 해질녘

🇸🇦 الغسق

🇨🇿 soumrak

🇸🇰 súmrak

🇨🇳 黄昏

🇸🇮 mrak

🇮🇸 kvöld

🇰🇿 кешкі уақыт

🇬🇪 საღამო

🇦🇿 axşamüstü

🇲🇽 anochecer

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,501 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32498 supernal
32499 learnedly
32500 liquorice
32501 eventide
32502 tantalising
32503 domesticate
32504 retrospection
...