Midnight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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midnight

[ˈmɪdˌnaɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

time

The middle of the night; specifically 12 o'clock at night.

Synonyms

12:00 AM, nighttime, witching hour.

Examples of usage

  • He usually goes to bed around midnight.
  • The party started at midnight and lasted until the early hours of the morning.
Context #2 | Adjective

description

Relating to or characteristic of the middle of the night.

Synonyms

dark, late-night, nighttime.

Examples of usage

  • The midnight sky was filled with stars.
  • She took a midnight stroll along the deserted streets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, midnight signifies the transition into a new day, celebrated in traditions like New Year's Eve.
  • Folklore often depicts midnight as a magical hour, where supernatural events or transformations occur.
  • Midnight is often associated with mystery and the unknown in literature and films, making it a popular setting.

Science

  • Midnight marks the point when the sun is exactly on the opposite side of the Earth, leading to the darkest time of night.
  • During a full moon, the light at midnight can be bright and illuminating, affecting nocturnal wildlife behavior.
  • The concept of time zones means that midnight can happen at different moments across the globe.

Psychology

  • People often experience different moods and behaviors at midnight, including feelings of loneliness or creativity.
  • Some studies suggest that significant decisions made late at night may be influenced by fatigue and skewed judgment.
  • The quietness of midnight can increase introspection and self-reflection for many individuals.

Literature and Art

  • Many literary works use midnight symbolically to represent themes of mystery, fear, or transformations.
  • Famous poems like Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' evoke midnight settings to create a haunting atmosphere.
  • Artists have historically painted midnight scenes, capturing the serene or eerie qualities of the night.

Origin of 'midnight'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'midnight' comes from Old English 'midniht', meaning 'middle of the night'.
  • The word is made up of 'mid' meaning 'middle' and 'night', showing its timing perfectly.
  • First recorded use of 'midnight' dates back to around the 8th century.

The word 'midnight' originated from Middle English middelniht, which literally means 'middle of the night'. It has been used in various cultures and traditions to refer to the point in time when one day ends and another begins. Midnight is often associated with mystery, darkness, and the supernatural, making it a popular theme in literature, music, and folklore.


See also: night, nightclub, nightcrawler, nightfall, nightingale, nightly, nightmare, nightstick, nighttime, overnight, tonight.