Sundown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sundown

[ˈsʌnˌdaʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time of day

Sundown refers to the time of day when the sun sets below the horizon. It is commonly used to indicate the evening or twilight hours.

Synonyms

dusk, evening, sunset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sundown	Applied in informal or poetic contexts, often when referring to the end of the day. It's also used to describe specific times when the sun sets, especially in schedules or routines. We should be back home by sundown. The park closes at sundown.
sunset	Specifically denotes the time when the sun goes below the horizon. Often used when talking about the visual and aesthetic aspect of the sun setting. We watched the sunset from the beach. The sunset today was really beautiful.
dusk	Used when referring to the period just after the sun sets but before it gets completely dark. It's often used in literature, photography, and when describing atmospheres and moods. They met at dusk by the old tree. The sky at dusk was a mix of orange and purple.
evening	A general term for the later part of the day and early part of the night, often from around 5 PM to bedtime. Commonly used in everyday speech, greetings, and when making plans. Good evening, how was your day? Let's have dinner this evening.

Examples of usage

At sundown, the sky is painted with beautiful colors.
We decided to have a picnic at sundown.
The beach looks magical at sundown.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Jewish tradition

In Jewish tradition, sundown marks the beginning of a new day, based on the lunar calendar. It is considered the start of various religious observances and holidays.

Synonyms

dusk, nightfall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sundown	This term is often used in everyday conversation and can refer poetically or casually to the time when the sun has just set. Let's meet at sundown for a walk. The park closes at sundown.
nightfall	Nightfall refers to the onset of night. It is a slightly more formal term, often used in writing or storytelling. They had to be home by nightfall. Nightfall came quickly, and the forest was shrouded in darkness.
dusk	Dusk refers to the period just before night when the sky is partly but not fully dark. It is often used in literary or descriptive contexts. The city lights started to twinkle at dusk. We enjoyed the calm atmosphere of the beach at dusk.

Word

Description / Examples

sundown

This term is often used in everyday conversation and can refer poetically or casually to the time when the sun has just set.

Let's meet at sundown for a walk.
The park closes at sundown.

nightfall

Nightfall refers to the onset of night. It is a slightly more formal term, often used in writing or storytelling.

They had to be home by nightfall.
Nightfall came quickly, and the forest was shrouded in darkness.

dusk

Dusk refers to the period just before night when the sky is partly but not fully dark. It is often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

The city lights started to twinkle at dusk.
We enjoyed the calm atmosphere of the beach at dusk.

Examples of usage

The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday.
Passover starts at sundown.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to approach

As a verb, sundown means to approach or reach the time of sunset or the end of the day.

Synonyms

approach, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sundown	Repeated entry, same as the first 'sundown'.
approach	Typically used when referring to getting closer to a location, situation, or time. It is more formal than 'reach' and can also be used to describe the method or way of doing something. As we approach the city, the traffic gets heavier. We need a new approach to solve this problem.
reach	Commonly used when someone arrives at a destination or when trying to communicate with someone. It is less formal than 'approach' and more direct. He reached the top of the mountain after a long climb. I couldn't reach her on the phone.

Word

Description / Examples

sundown

Repeated entry, same as the first 'sundown'.

approach

Typically used when referring to getting closer to a location, situation, or time. It is more formal than 'reach' and can also be used to describe the method or way of doing something.

As we approach the city, the traffic gets heavier.
We need a new approach to solve this problem.

reach

Commonly used when someone arrives at a destination or when trying to communicate with someone. It is less formal than 'approach' and more direct.

He reached the top of the mountain after a long climb.
I couldn't reach her on the phone.

Examples of usage

The ship will sundown at the port.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate the end of the day with rituals or gatherings, highlighting the importance of community.
In various traditions, the time of sundown marks a transition to evening activities like family meals and storytelling.

Natural Phenomena

The colors seen during sundown are caused by the scattering of light in the atmosphere, known as Rayleigh scattering.
Different locations experience varying sundown times due to their latitude and position relative to the equator.

Art and Literature

Many poets and artists use sundown as a metaphor for endings and new beginnings, as it marks the transition from day to night.
Vincent van Gogh famously painted sunsets, capturing the vibrant colors and emotional resonance of the setting sun.

Psychological Effects

Watching sunsets can invoke feelings of peace and reflection, often leading to a sense of calm at the end of the day.
There’s a phenomenon called 'sunset fatigue,' where individuals feel more relaxed and contemplative as darkness approaches.

Astronomy

The position of the sun during sundown changes throughout the year, causing longer sunsets in summer and shorter ones in winter.
Astronomical events like the solstices greatly influence the timing and beauty of sundowns in different parts of the world.

Origin of 'sundown'

The word 'sundown' originated in the 19th century and is a combination of 'sun' and 'down', referring to the sun going down below the horizon. It has been used in English to denote the time of sunset and has also been adopted in Jewish tradition to mark the start of a new day. The concept of sundown has been celebrated in various cultures and has inspired art, literature, and music.