Twilight: meaning, definitions and examples

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twilight

[ˈtwaɪlaɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time of day

The soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, caused by the reflection of the sun's rays by the atmosphere. It is typically seen in the early morning and late evening.

Synonyms

dusk, evening, nightfall, sunset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
twilight	Often used to describe the soft, glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, either in the evening or in the morning. It has a poetic or romantic connotation. They walked hand in hand through the park during twilight. The town looked beautiful under the twilight sky.
dusk	Refers to the period just after the sun has set, when the sky is starting to get dark. It's a bit later than twilight and captures the transition from daylight to dark. The streetlights started to flicker on at dusk. We sat on the porch at dusk, watching the stars appear.
sunset	Describes the time in the evening when the sun goes down below the horizon. This term focuses more on the visual and atmospheric phenomena rather than the time period. We watched a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The sky is painted with lovely colors at sunset.
evening	Covers a broader time period from the end of the afternoon until night. It doesn’t necessarily specify a particular lighting condition, more the time after the working day ends and before bedtime. We have dinner together every evening. She loves to read in the quiet of the evening.
nightfall	Specifically refers to the time when the night begins, same as dusk but often used in a more formal or literary context. It emphasizes the arrival of night. They needed to make it back to the cabin by nightfall. Nightfall brought a chilling silence to the forest.

Examples of usage

The birds chirped softly in the twilight.
The sky was painted in beautiful colors during the twilight hours.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

book/film title

A series of vampire-themed fantasy romance novels by Stephenie Meyer, which was later adapted into a popular film franchise. It revolves around the love story between a human girl and a vampire.

Synonyms

franchise, saga, series.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
twilight	Used to describe the soft glowing light seen before sunrise and after sunset. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the final phase of something. They went for a walk in the park during twilight. The twilight of his career was marked by numerous awards.
saga	Often describes a long, involved story, sometimes historical or fantastical in nature. It can be used for both literary works and complicated real-life events. The Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for decades. The saga of his life is filled with both tragedy and triumph.
series	Commonly used to describe a number of related events, objects, or broadcasts that follow one another in sequence. It is frequently used for books, television shows, and other forms of media. She enjoys watching the new crime drama series on Netflix. The book series by J.K. Rowling has become a favorite among readers.
franchise	Used to describe a series of related films, games, or shows under a common brand, often with ongoing stories or themes. It can also refer to a business model where individuals own and operate their own branches of a larger company. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a highly successful franchise. She opened her own bakery through a popular franchise.

Examples of usage

She was a fan of the Twilight saga.
The Twilight movies were a huge success at the box office.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from Old English 'twi' meaning 'two' and 'leoht' meaning 'light', referring to the two types of light: daylight and moonlight.
In many languages, similar words denote the period of light transitioning into darkness, reflecting a universal experience.

Cultural Significance

In literature and film, twilight often represents themes of change, transition, and the unknown, enhancing emotional depth.
Many cultures have unique rituals or beliefs associated with twilight, often seen as a magical time where the everyday world meets the mystical.

Science

Twilight is scientifically categorized into three phases: civil, nautical, and astronomical, depending on the sun's position below the horizon.
During twilight, colors in the sky can create stunning visual displays, influenced by atmospheric conditions.

Art and Literature

Many artists have tried to capture the beauty of twilight in paintings, often using vibrant colors to evoke the time's magic.
In poetry, twilight frequently symbolizes reflection, nostalgia, and the duality of life, as day gives way to night.

Pop Culture

The 'Twilight' book and film series highlighted themes of love and supernatural conflicts during this time of day, capturing a vast audience.
Song lyrics across many genres often use twilight to evoke feelings of romance and melancholy, illustrating its emotional resonance.

Translations

Translations of the word "twilight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crepúsculo

🇮🇳 गोधूलि

🇩🇪 Dämmerung

🇮🇩 senja

🇺🇦 сутінки

🇵🇱 zmierzch

🇯🇵 たそがれ (tasogare)

🇫🇷 crépuscule

🇪🇸 crepúsculo

🇹🇷 alacakaranlık

🇰🇷 황혼 (hwanghon)

🇸🇦 الشفق (alshafaq)

🇨🇿 soumrak

🇸🇰 súmrak

🇨🇳 暮光 (mùguāng)

🇸🇮 mrak

🇮🇸 rökkur

🇰🇿 кешкі шапақ (keşki şapaq)

🇬🇪 ბინდი (bindi)

🇦🇿 qaranlıq

🇲🇽 crepúsculo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,301, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10298 perforated
10299 divert
10300 dusty
10301 twilight
10302 oscillator
10303 ghosts
10304 tapping
...