A1 noun Neutral

solstice

/ˈsɒl.stɪs/

A solstice is one of the two times each year when the sun is at its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon. It marks the longest day of the year in summer and the shortest day of the year in winter.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.

Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.

2

The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.

The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.

3

The solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.

The solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.

Word Family

Noun
solstice
Adjective
solstitial
Related
sun
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin roots: 'sol' means sun and 'stice' means to stand still. At the solstice, the sun seems to stand still before changing direction in the sky.

Quick Quiz

The winter ___ marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Correct!

The correct answer is: solstice

Examples

1

Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.

everyday

Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.

2

The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.

formal

The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.

3

The solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.

informal

The solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.

4

Many Neolithic monuments were built to align with the sun during the summer solstice.

academic

Many Neolithic monuments were built to align with the sun during the summer solstice.

5

The resort's revenue peaked during the annual winter solstice festival.

business

The resort's revenue peaked during the annual winter solstice festival.

Word Family

Noun
solstice
Adjective
solstitial
Related
sun

Common Collocations

summer solstice summer solstice
winter solstice winter solstice
celebrate the solstice celebrate the solstice
solstice sunset solstice sunset
upcoming solstice upcoming solstice

Common Phrases

the return of the light

the return of the light

midwinter solstice

midwinter solstice

midsummer solstice

midsummer solstice

Often Confused With

solstice vs equinox

An equinox is when day and night are of equal length, whereas a solstice is the longest or shortest day.

solstice vs equator

The equator is a physical line around the middle of the Earth, while a solstice is a point in time.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is almost always used with the modifiers 'summer' or 'winter' to specify which extreme of the year is being mentioned. It refers to a specific date, usually June 21 or December 21.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word as 'solstise' or 'soltice'. They also frequently confuse it with 'equinox', which occurs in spring and autumn.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin roots: 'sol' means sun and 'stice' means to stand still. At the solstice, the sun seems to stand still before changing direction in the sky.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'solstitium', from 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still).

Grammar Patterns

countable noun usually used with 'the' plural form is 'solstices'
🌍

Cultural Context

The solstice is a major cultural event for many societies, often associated with festivals at sites like Stonehenge in England.

Quick Quiz

The winter ___ marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Correct!

The correct answer is: solstice

More nature words

algae

A1

Algae are simple plants that grow in or near water and do not have ordinary leaves or roots. They can be very small like green spots or very large like seaweed found in the ocean.

fungi

A1

Fungi are a large group of living things, such as mushrooms, molds, and yeast, that grow on soil or old plants. They are different from plants because they do not use the sun to make food, but instead break down dead material.

predator

A1

A predator is an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals to survive. This word is also used to describe people or companies that take advantage of others.

prey

A1

Prey is an animal that is caught and killed by another animal for food. It is the animal that is hunted in nature.

carnivore

A1

A carnivore is an animal that gets its food from eating other animals. These animals are often called meat-eaters and have special teeth for hunting and eating flesh.

herbivore

A1

A herbivore is an animal that eats only plants, such as grass, leaves, and fruits. These animals do not eat meat or other animals.

savanna

A1

A savanna is a large, flat area of land covered with grass and only a few scattered trees. It is mostly found in hot regions, such as Africa and South America, and supports a wide variety of wildlife.

estuary

A1

An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea. It is a unique place where fresh water from the river mixes with salty water from the ocean.

undergrowth

A1

Undergrowth refers to the small plants, bushes, and shrubs that grow on the ground beneath the taller trees in a forest or wood. It is often dense and can make walking through the area difficult.

germination

A1

Germination is the process where a seed starts to grow into a new plant. It happens when the seed has enough water, the right temperature, and oxygen.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free