Night

Definition

Night is a noun. It refers to the period of time between sunset and sunrise when it is dark. It can also be used figuratively to describe a time of difficulty, mystery, or ending.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /naɪt/
• Respelling: NYT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /naɪt/
• Respelling: NYT

Etymology

The word "night" originates from Old English "niht," which comes from Proto-Germanic "*nahts," derived from Proto-Indo-European "*nókts," meaning "night." It is a cognate with words in many other Indo-European languages, such as Latin "nox" and Greek "nyx."

Derivatives

• Nightly (adjective/adverb)
• Nighttime (noun)
• Nightfall (noun)
• Nightshade (noun)
• Nightlife (noun)

Synonyms

• Darkness
• Evening
• Nocturnal period

Antonyms

• Day
• Sunlight
• Dawn

Usage

The term "night" is commonly used to describe the time of darkness each day, as well as for figurative expressions. For example, "It was a cold and quiet night," or "The country is facing a dark night of uncertainty."

Related Terms

• Nocturnal: Active or occurring at night.
• Twilight: The time of day between sunset and full darkness.
• Midnight: The middle of the night, at 12 a.m.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise:
  • Example: "The stars shone brightly in the clear night sky."
• An evening or late part of the day:
  • Example: "They spent the night at a cozy inn."
• A figurative time of difficulty, mystery, or ending:
  • Example: "The nation endured a long night of war."