Dusk Definition, Usage & Related Words

Meaning 1：evening twilight (dusk)

dusk 🔊

/dʌsk/

The time of day when the sun has just set but it's not completely dark yet. It's that soft, dim light in the evening.

evening twilight 🔊

➕

/ˈiːv.nɪŋ ˈtwaɪ.laɪt/

The period after sunset when the sky is still partially illuminated but darkness is beginning to set in.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'dox' meaning dark or twilight.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'dusk' as the sun's 'disk' sinking, marking the end of daylight.

📖 Example

They decided to take a walk at dusk, enjoying the peaceful transition from day to night. 🔊 They decided to take a walk at dusk, enjoying the peaceful transition from day to night.

🔗 Collocations

at dusk – during the time of dusk

from dawn to dusk – from morning to evening, all day long

dusk falls – the time when dusk begins, as darkness descends

🔄 Synonyms

twilight (n.) – the soft light after sunset or before sunrise

nightfall (n.) – the onset of night; dusk

gloaming (n.) – literary term for dusk or twilight

🚫 Antonyms

dawn (n.) – the first light of day; sunrise

daybreak (n.) – the time in the morning when light first appears

🌱 Derivatives

dusky (adj.) – somewhat dark or dim, like dusk

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old English 'dox', related to dark. Often used in literature and poetry to evoke the serene transition from day to night.