Sunlight: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'sunlight' when you want to describe the general light coming from the sun during the daytime. It can be used in both natural and scientific contexts.

• The room was filled with bright sunlight.
• Plants need sunlight to grow.

Use 'sunbeam' to describe a visible ray of sunlight that appears through an opening, such as a window or through the clouds. It often conveys a picturesque or magical feeling.

• A sunbeam shone through the gap in the curtains.
• Sunbeams broke through the clouds, lighting up the valley.

Use 'sunshine' to describe the light from the sun in a more cheerful and warm way. It's often used in conversation about pleasant weather or to convey a positive mood.

• Let's go to the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
• After days of rain, the sunshine was a welcome sight.

Use 'daylight' when you refer to the natural light during the day, especially to emphasize the contrast between day and night. It is often used in safety and visibility contexts.

• Make sure to finish the hike before daylight fades.
• The burglary happened in broad daylight.

Sunlight is typically used to describe the light that comes from the sun during the day, especially when it provides warmth and illumination.

• The garden looks beautiful in the morning sunlight.
• She enjoys soaking up the sunlight during her lunch break.

Natural light is a broad term for light that comes from any natural source, mainly the sun, as opposed to artificial light. It's often used in contexts related to indoor spaces.

• The living room is filled with natural light from the large windows.
• Photographers prefer shooting with natural light.

Sun rays specifically refer to the beams of light that come from the sun. It often highlights the individual streams of light, particularly when they create striking visual effects.

• The sun rays filtering through the trees made a beautiful pattern on the ground.
• Sun rays can be harmful to your skin without proper protection.

Daylight refers to the natural light that is available during the daytime, in contrast to artificial light. It can also refer to the period of time between sunrise and sunset.

• We need to finish our hike before we lose daylight.
• The house is so dark even in daylight.

General term for the light and warmth that come from the sun.

• The room is filled with sunlight in the morning
• Plants need sunlight to grow

Often used to describe a cheerful or bright state associated with the sun's light and warmth. Has a more positive and happy connotation.

• The children played in the sunshine all afternoon
• Her smile brought sunshine into my life

Refers to the natural light that is visible during the day. Often used when comparing natural light to artificial light.

• We work mainly in daylight, but now we have to use lamps
• The thief was caught in broad daylight

Describes the beams of light that come directly from the sun. Often used in a more visual or descriptive way.

• I could see the sun rays bursting through the clouds
• The sun rays felt warm on my skin