solstice
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 5Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.
Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.
The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.
The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.
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.
Synonyms
Word Family
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
Our family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.
everydayOur family always has a barbecue to celebrate the summer solstice.
The astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.
formalThe astronomical observation of the winter solstice is vital for climate records.
The solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.
informalThe solstice is coming up, so the days will finally start getting brighter.
Many Neolithic monuments were built to align with the sun during the summer solstice.
academicMany Neolithic monuments were built to align with the sun during the summer solstice.
The resort's revenue peaked during the annual winter solstice festival.
businessThe resort's revenue peaked during the annual winter solstice festival.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the return of the light
the return of the light
midwinter solstice
midwinter solstice
midsummer solstice
midsummer solstice
Often Confused With
An equinox is when day and night are of equal length, whereas a solstice is the longest or shortest day.
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
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
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