dusk
Dusk is the time of day just before it gets completely dark. It happens in the evening after the sun goes down.
Examples
3 of 5The street lights come on at dusk.
The city lights start to shine when it gets dark in the evening.
The park closes its gates at dusk.
The park shuts when the sun goes down and evening begins.
Let's go home before dusk.
Let's return to the house before it gets dark outside.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Dusk starts with 'D' for 'Down' (the sun goes down) and ends with 'K' for 'darK'.
Quick Quiz
The sun has gone down, and now it is ___; we should turn on the car lights.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dusk
Examples
The street lights come on at dusk.
everydayThe city lights start to shine when it gets dark in the evening.
The park closes its gates at dusk.
formalThe park shuts when the sun goes down and evening begins.
Let's go home before dusk.
informalLet's return to the house before it gets dark outside.
Many birds return to their nests during dusk.
academicMany birds fly back to their homes when the evening light fades.
The outdoor meeting will conclude by dusk.
businessThe outside business meeting will finish when evening starts.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
from dawn to dusk
all day long
in the dusk
in the dim light of evening
at the break of dusk
exactly when the sun disappears
Often Confused With
Dawn is the very beginning of the day (morning), while dusk is the very end of the daylight (evening).
Sunset is the specific moment the sun disappears; dusk is the period of partial darkness following it.
Usage Notes
Use 'at dusk' to describe a specific time. It is often used to describe when animals appear or when lights are turned on.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'in the dusk' when 'at dusk' is more common for describing time. Don't confuse it with 'dust' (dirt particles).
Memory Tip
Dusk starts with 'D' for 'Down' (the sun goes down) and ends with 'K' for 'darK'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'dox' meaning dark-colored or shadowy.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, dusk is seen as a magical or transition time between the working day and the time for rest.
Quick Quiz
The sun has gone down, and now it is ___; we should turn on the car lights.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dusk
Related Vocabulary
More Weather words
windy
A1Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.
foggy
A1Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.
stormy
A1Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.
overcast
A1An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.
cool
A1Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.
freezing
A1Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.
humid
A1Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.
wet
A1Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.
mild
A1Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.
rain
A1Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.
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