twilight

Everyday

1. Twilight is the dim light in the sky just after the sun sets, or just before it rises. tree →
2. Twilight is the time when this light appears. tree →
3. The twilight of something is its last, weaker stage: «the twilight of his life». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on day and night: twilight happens because the sun lights up the sky even when it is below the horizon. In stories, twilight is a mysterious, gloomy time when bats come out. In safety: wear bright clothes when cycling at twilight because drivers see less.

Examples

• We walked home in the twilight. tree →
• Bats come out at twilight to catch insects. tree →
• At twilight the sky turned pink and purple. tree →
• Wear something bright if you cycle at twilight. tree →
• The old dog was in the twilight of his life. tree →
• The garden looked magical in the twilight. tree →
• Owls start hunting at twilight. tree →
• Here he hid himself and waited for the twilight. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: «in the twilight», «at twilight». Similar words: dusk (evening twilight), dawn (morning). Myth: twilight is not only in the evening; there is morning twilight too.

In Jewish tradition

It is the dim time between day and night. In these books it is often a time for secret or shady deeds, such as adultery.

Interpretation. In Jewish law, twilight (bein hashemashot) is a doubtful time, neither fully day nor fully night. This matters for when Shabbat and festivals begin and end.

Examples

• In the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the blackness of night and the darkness. (Writings PRO.7.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• My heart is bewildered, terror hath overwhelmed me; the twilight that I longed for hath been turned for me into trembling. (Prophets ISA.21.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying: 'No eye shall see me'; and he putteth a covering on his face. (Writings JOB.24.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: «in the twilight», «at twilight». Similar words: dusk (evening twilight), dawn (morning). Myth: twilight is not only in the evening; there is morning twilight too.