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A1 noun #905 最常用 15分钟阅读

dusk

前905

At the A1 level, 'dusk' is a simple but useful word to know. It describes the time of day when it starts to get dark in the evening. You can think of it as the opposite of the morning. When the sun goes down, it is not immediately night. There is a short time when you can still see a little bit, but the lights in the street and houses start to turn on. This time is called dusk. You will often see it on signs in parks that say 'Open from dawn to dusk.' This means the park is open during the day when there is light. It is a good word to use instead of just saying 'evening' if you want to talk about the light. For example, 'I like to walk at dusk.' It is a noun, so you use it like a thing or a time. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word yet. Just remember it happens after the sun sets and before it is completely dark at night. It is a peaceful time of day for many people.

For A2 learners, 'dusk' becomes part of a larger vocabulary for describing daily routines and the environment. You should understand that 'dusk' is more specific than 'evening.' Evening is a long period of time, but dusk is specifically about the change in light. You will often use the preposition 'at' with dusk, as in 'The birds return to their nests at dusk.' You might also start to see it used in compound phrases like 'dusk till dawn.' At this level, it's important to distinguish 'dusk' from 'sunset.' Sunset is when the sun disappears; dusk is the dim light that follows. You can use it to describe why you are doing something, like 'We should go home because it's dusk and I can't see the path.' It's a very common word in stories and descriptions of nature. Learning this word helps you move away from very basic words like 'dark' and 'light' to more descriptive English.

At the B1 level, you can use 'dusk' to add atmosphere to your writing and speaking. You should be comfortable using it with various verbs like 'dusk falls' or 'dusk approaches.' You might also use adjectives to describe it, such as 'the gathering dusk' or 'the cool dusk.' At this stage, you should also be aware of its morning counterpart, 'dawn,' and be able to use them together to describe a full day's cycle. You'll encounter 'dusk' in more varied contexts, such as travel brochures describing a 'dusk safari' or in news reports about visibility for drivers. You should also understand the idiomatic use of 'from dawn till dusk,' meaning all day long. This word allows you to be more precise in your descriptions, which is a key goal at the intermediate level. You can also start to recognize the emotional connotations of the word—often peace, ending, or mystery.

By the B2 level, you should understand the subtle nuances between 'dusk,' 'twilight,' and 'nightfall.' You can use 'dusk' in more complex sentence structures and in more formal or literary contexts. You might use it metaphorically, though this is more common at higher levels. You should be aware of the different prepositions and how they change the meaning slightly: 'at dusk' (a point in time), 'in the dusk' (the atmosphere), 'until dusk' (a duration). You will likely see 'dusk' used in more sophisticated literature and in technical fields like photography or biology (though the term 'crepuscular' might be used there). You should be able to explain the concept of dusk to someone else using English, perhaps mentioning the scattering of light in the atmosphere. Your use of the word should feel natural and well-integrated into your descriptions of time and setting.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'dusk' and its place in the English lexicon. You can appreciate its use in poetry and high-level prose, where it might be used to set a specific mood or symbolize a transition in a character's life. You are likely familiar with more obscure synonyms like 'the gloaming' and can choose between them based on the desired register and tone. You understand the scientific basis of dusk (civil, nautical, and astronomical) and can discuss it if necessary. You can use 'dusk' in complex metaphors and idiomatic expressions with ease. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'dusk' is just one of many tools you use to create vivid, precise imagery. You also understand the cultural and religious significance of this time of day in various English-speaking and global contexts. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

For C2 learners, 'dusk' is a word whose every nuance is mastered. You can use it with complete precision in any context, from a scientific paper on atmospheric optics to a lyrical poem. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its usage has evolved over centuries. You can identify and employ the most subtle connotations—how 'dusk' might imply a softening of reality or a blurring of boundaries. You are comfortable with all its related forms and can use them creatively. In your hands, 'dusk' is not just a time of day but a versatile linguistic element that can be used to evoke complex emotional and sensory experiences. You can critique its use in literature and understand why an author chose 'dusk' over 'twilight' or 'evenfall' in a specific passage. Your mastery of the word reflects a profound connection with the English language and its ability to capture the fleeting moments of the natural world.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

dusk 30秒了解

Dusk is the period of fading light in the evening after the sun sets but before it becomes totally dark.
It is a noun used to describe a specific time of day, often associated with peace, mystery, and transition.
Commonly used in the phrase 'at dusk,' it is a key marker for wildlife activity and safety regulations.
Dusk is the opposite of dawn and is often used in literature to set a quiet or reflective mood.

Dusk is a magical and scientifically precise transition point in our daily cycle. It represents the period of partial darkness between the moment the sun disappears below the horizon and the onset of total night. While many people use the words 'sunset' and 'dusk' interchangeably, they are distinct: sunset is the physical event of the sun crossing the horizon, whereas dusk is the atmospheric state of fading light that follows. This period is characterized by a soft, diffused glow caused by the scattering of sunlight in the upper atmosphere, even when the sun itself is no longer visible to the naked eye. In the tapestry of human experience, dusk is often viewed as a time of reflection, a bridge between the activity of the day and the rest of the night. It is a moment when the world seems to hold its breath, shifting from the vibrant, high-contrast colors of daylight to a more muted, monochromatic palette of deep blues, purples, and grays.

Atmospheric Science: Dusk occurs because of the Earth's atmosphere. Even after the sun is gone, the air high above us still catches the light and reflects it down to the surface. This is why it doesn't turn pitch black the second the sun sets.

The streetlights flickered to life just as the last remnants of dusk faded into the black of night.

In literature and art, dusk is a powerful symbol. It can represent the end of an era, the approach of old age, or a sense of mystery and the unknown. For photographers, this time is often referred to as the 'Blue Hour,' a counterpart to the 'Golden Hour' that occurs just before sunset. During dusk, the light is perfectly even, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a serene, almost ethereal quality in photographs. In nature, dusk is a critical time for wildlife. It is the peak activity period for 'crepuscular' animals—those that are most active during twilight—such as deer, rabbits, and many species of owls. For humans, it traditionally signaled the end of the workday in agricultural societies, the time to bring the livestock in and gather around the hearth. Even in our modern, electrified world, dusk remains a psychological marker that prompts us to wind down, head home, and prepare for the nocturnal hours ahead.

Cultural Significance: Many cultures have specific rituals or prayers performed at dusk, acknowledging the transition from the solar realm to the lunar realm.

We sat on the porch watching the dusk settle over the valley, feeling a deep sense of peace.

When using the word, it is important to understand its emotional weight. It is rarely used for a bright, energetic morning; that is 'dawn.' Dusk is quieter, heavier, and more contemplative. It is the time of day when shadows stretch to their longest before disappearing entirely. In urban environments, dusk is the time of transition where the natural light of the sky competes with the artificial neon and LED glow of the city. This contrast creates a unique visual texture that has inspired countless filmmakers and urban explorers. Whether you are describing a romantic walk, a dangerous journey, or a simple change in the weather, 'dusk' provides a specific temporal and atmospheric anchor that 'evening' or 'night' cannot quite match. It is the threshold of the dark, a fleeting moment that reminds us of the constant, rhythmic turning of our planet.

Visual Characteristics: The sky often transitions through a gradient of orange, pink, and deep indigo during dusk, a phenomenon caused by the longer path sunlight must travel through the atmosphere.

The owls began their haunting calls at dusk, signaling the start of their nightly hunt.

Using the word 'dusk' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its idiomatic placement in phrases. The most frequent way to use it is with the preposition 'at.' This specifies a point in time. For example, 'The park closes at dusk.' This usage is standard in signs, formal notices, and general conversation. It functions similarly to 'at noon' or 'at midnight.' Because dusk is a period of time rather than a single instant, it can also be used with 'during' or 'in the,' though 'at' remains the most common. When you want to describe the onset of this time, you often use verbs like 'fall,' 'settle,' or 'approach.' These verbs give dusk a sense of movement, as if it is an active force covering the landscape.

Common Verb Pairings: Dusk 'falls,' 'gathers,' 'deepens,' or 'descends.' These verbs emphasize the increasing darkness.

As dusk fell over the city, the first stars began to twinkle through the smog.

Adjectives are frequently used to modify 'dusk' to provide more detail about the atmosphere. 'Early dusk' might refer to the very beginning of the transition, while 'deepening dusk' or 'late dusk' suggests that it is almost fully dark. You might also see sensory adjectives like 'cool dusk,' 'quiet dusk,' or 'purple dusk.' These help the reader or listener feel the environment. In more technical or descriptive writing, 'dusk' can act as an attributive noun, modifying another noun. Examples include 'dusk light,' 'dusk sky,' or 'dusk chorus' (referring to the singing of birds at this time). This usage is slightly more literary and adds a poetic flair to the description.

Prepositional Usage: Use 'from dawn till dusk' to describe something that happens all day long, from the very start of light to the very end.

The hikers were exhausted after walking from dawn until dusk.

In negative or cautionary contexts, dusk is often used to highlight danger or difficulty. 'Visibility is poor at dusk' is a common warning for drivers. 'It's hard to recognize faces in the dusk' suggests a sense of mystery or potential threat. When writing, consider the mood you want to create. If you want to emphasize peace, pair dusk with words like 'serene' or 'calm.' If you want to emphasize the unknown, pair it with 'shadowy' or 'uncertain.' The versatility of the word allows it to fit into almost any narrative style, from a simple children's book to a complex gothic novel. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'dusk' to precisely control the timing and atmosphere of your English communication.

Sentence Structure Tip: When using 'dusk' as a subject, it often takes an intransitive verb: 'Dusk arrived early that winter.'

The old lighthouse began its rhythmic rotation at the first sign of dusk.

The word 'dusk' is a staple of English literature and descriptive media, but its presence extends into several specific real-world domains. One of the most common places you will hear or see it is in the context of safety and regulation. National parks, public beaches, and municipal playgrounds often have signs stating they are 'Open from Dawn to Dusk.' This is a legally significant phrase that uses the natural light cycle to define operating hours without needing to adjust for seasonal changes in sunset times. Similarly, in driver's education and road safety campaigns, 'dusk' is frequently mentioned as a high-risk time for accidents. This is because the human eye struggles to adapt to the rapidly changing light levels, and the 'flat' light of dusk can hide hazards that would be obvious in full daylight or under artificial streetlights.

Nature and Wildlife: In nature documentaries and biology textbooks, 'dusk' is used to describe the behavior of crepuscular animals. You'll hear narrators say things like, 'As dusk approaches, the predator begins its prowl.'

The park ranger reminded the campers that all fires must be extinguished by dusk.

Another major area where 'dusk' is prominent is in the arts, specifically photography, cinematography, and painting. Professionals in these fields often discuss 'dusk' in terms of light quality. A director might wait for 'the dusk' to film a specific scene to capture a certain mood. In weather reports, meteorologists might use the word when discussing visibility or the timing of evening storms. Furthermore, in literature—ranging from classic poetry by Robert Frost to modern fantasy novels—'dusk' is used to set the scene. It is a word that immediately tells the reader something about the atmosphere: it is quiet, perhaps a bit mysterious, and the day is ending. You will also find it in song lyrics across genres, from folk to pop, often used as a metaphor for the end of a relationship or a period of life.

Aviation and Maritime: Pilots and sailors use 'dusk' (specifically nautical dusk) to determine when certain lights must be displayed on their vessels or aircraft for safety.

The city skyline is most beautiful at dusk, when the office lights begin to glow against the purple sky.

In everyday life, you might hear a parent tell a child, 'Be home by dusk.' This is a common way of setting a curfew based on the light. It's more flexible than a specific clock time but very clear in its intent: don't be out when it's dark. In religious contexts, dusk marks the beginning of the Sabbath in Judaism or the time for the Maghrib prayer in Islam. In these cases, the word isn't just a description of light; it's a sacred marker of time. Whether you are reading a novel, watching the news, or just living your life, 'dusk' is a word that pops up whenever the transition from day to night becomes important. It’s a universal concept, but the word 'dusk' gives it a specific, slightly elevated feel in the English language.

Travel and Tourism: Travel guides often recommend 'dusk cruises' or 'dusk walks' to see landmarks in the most flattering and dramatic light possible.

The desert temperature drops rapidly once dusk arrives, so bring a jacket.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make is confusing 'dusk' with 'sunset.' While they are related, they are not the same. Sunset is the specific moment the sun's disk disappears below the horizon. Dusk is the period of time *after* the sunset when there is still some light in the sky. If you say, 'The sun is dusk,' it is grammatically and logically incorrect. You should say, 'The sun is setting,' or 'It is dusk.' Another common point of confusion is between 'dusk' and 'dawn.' Dawn is the morning equivalent of dusk—the time before sunrise. A simple way to remember the difference is that 'dawn' starts with 'D' like 'Day' (the start of the day), and 'dusk' has a 'U' like 'Under' (the sun is going under for the night). Confusing these two can lead to significant misunderstandings, especially when setting meeting times or following directions.

The 'At' Mistake: Learners often say 'in the dusk' when 'at dusk' is the more natural, idiomatic choice. While 'in the dusk' is not strictly wrong, 'at dusk' is much more common for specifying a time.

Incorrect: We will meet in the dusk. Correct: We will meet at dusk.

Another mistake involves the word 'twilight.' While 'twilight' and 'dusk' are very similar, 'twilight' is a broader term that covers both the morning and evening periods of partial light. 'Dusk' specifically refers to the evening. Using 'dusk' to describe the light before sunrise is a mistake. Additionally, learners sometimes use 'dusk' as a verb. You cannot 'dusk' something. It is strictly a noun. If you want a verb, you must use a phrase like 'it is getting dark' or 'dusk is falling.' Spelling is also a minor issue; 'dusk' is sometimes confused with 'dust.' While they sound similar, they have completely different meanings. Dust is fine particles of matter; dusk is a time of day. Make sure you don't write 'The room was full of dusk' unless you mean it was filled with evening light, rather than dirt!

Article Usage: In the phrase 'at dusk,' we usually don't use 'the.' However, if you are describing a specific dusk, you can: 'The dusk of that Tuesday was particularly red.'

Don't say: 'The birds sing at the dusk.' Say: 'The birds sing at dusk.'

Finally, be careful with the adjective 'dusky.' While it comes from 'dusk,' it is often used to describe color (dark or dim) or even skin tone in older literature. In modern English, it's less common and can sometimes be seen as dated or insensitive depending on the context. Stick to 'dusk' for the time of day and 'dim' or 'darkening' for descriptions of light to be safe. By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing it with sunset or dawn, using the wrong preposition, or misusing it as a verb—you will sound much more like a native speaker. Dusk is a precise word; using it precisely shows a high level of English proficiency.

Preposition Recap: Use 'at' for a point in time, 'until' for a duration ending then, and 'before/after' for relative timing.

He promised to return before dusk so we wouldn't have to drive in the dark.

When you want to describe the end of the day, 'dusk' is a great word, but English offers several other options depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common alternative is 'twilight.' As mentioned before, twilight is a more general term that can apply to both morning and evening. It also has a slightly more romantic or scientific feel. If you are writing a fantasy novel, 'twilight' might be a better fit. If you are writing a news report about traffic safety, 'dusk' is more appropriate. Another close relative is 'sunset.' Use 'sunset' when you want to focus on the sun itself moving below the horizon. Use 'dusk' when you want to focus on the quality of the light that remains after the sun is gone.

Dusk vs. Twilight: Dusk is specifically the evening; Twilight can be morning or evening. Dusk is often seen as the very end of twilight.

While twilight lingered, the sky turned a deep shade of violet.

'Sundown' is a more informal, often American English alternative to 'sunset' or 'dusk.' It is frequently used in phrases like 'before sundown.' 'Nightfall' is another synonym, but it emphasizes the arrival of the night rather than the fading of the day. It feels a bit more definitive and sometimes even a bit ominous. For a very poetic or old-fashioned feel, you might use 'evenfall' or 'the gloaming.' 'The gloaming' is particularly evocative and is often associated with the quiet, shadowy atmosphere of the Scottish countryside. In a more technical or formal context, you might use 'evening' or 'late afternoon,' but these are much less precise about the lighting conditions than 'dusk' is.

Dusk vs. Nightfall: Dusk is the process of getting dark; Nightfall is the moment it becomes night.

The village was silent at nightfall, as everyone had retreated indoors.

In terms of adjectives, if you want to describe something that looks like dusk, you can use 'dusky,' 'dim,' 'shadowy,' or 'crepuscular.' 'Crepuscular' is a high-level academic word used mainly in biology to describe animals active at dusk. 'Dim' is a very simple, common word for low light. 'Shadowy' adds a sense of mystery. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on your audience and the 'vibe' you want to create. For A1 learners, sticking with 'dusk' and 'sunset' is usually enough. As you progress to B2 or C1, experimenting with 'twilight,' 'nightfall,' and even 'the gloaming' can add significant depth and variety to your writing and speaking. Understanding these subtle differences is a key part of moving from basic communication to nuanced expression in English.

Summary of Alternatives: Sunset (the event), Twilight (the period), Sundown (informal), Nightfall (the end), Gloaming (poetic).

The sky was still bright at sundown, but the air was turning cold.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The word 'dusk' is actually a relatively late development in English; for a long time, 'twilight' or 'evenfall' were more common.

发音指南

UK /dʌsk/

US /dʌsk/

Single syllable; no internal stress.

押韵词

husk musk tusk busk rusk subusk mollusk non-usk

常见错误

Pronouncing it like 'dust' (forgetting the 'k').
Making the 'u' sound too long like 'doosk'.
Confusing it with 'task' or 'desk'.
Adding an extra vowel at the end (e.g., 'dus-ka').
Swapping the 's' and 'k' sounds.

难度评级

阅读 1/5

Very common in simple texts and signs.

写作 2/5

Requires knowing the correct preposition 'at'.

口语 2/5

Easy to pronounce but often forgotten in favor of 'evening'.

听力 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to recognize.

接下来学什么

前置知识

sun night dark day light

接下来学习

twilight dawn sunset sunrise horizon

高级

crepuscular gloaming evenfall nautical astronomical

需要掌握的语法

Prepositions of Time

We use 'at' for specific times like 'at dusk' or 'at noon'.

Zero Article with Time Phrases

We say 'at dusk' not 'at the dusk' (usually).

Compound Adjectives with Time

A 'dawn-to-dusk' journey.

Verbs of Change

Using 'become' or 'turn' to describe the sky at dusk.

Participial Adjectives

Using 'gathering' or 'fading' to describe dusk.

按水平分级的例句

The park closes at dusk.

Le parc ferme à la tombée de la nuit.

Uses 'at' to show the time.

It is dusk now.

C'est le crépuscule maintenant.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

I like the sky at dusk.

J'aime le ciel au crépuscule.

Direct object 'the sky' followed by a time phrase.

We go home at dusk.

Nous rentrons à la maison à la tombée de la nuit.

Present simple for a routine.

The birds sing at dusk.

Les oiseaux chantent au crépuscule.

Plural subject with a simple verb.

Dusk is beautiful.

Le crépuscule est beau.

Using 'dusk' as a subject with an adjective.

Is it dusk yet?

Est-ce déjà le crépuscule ?

Question form with 'yet'.

Wait until dusk.

Attends jusqu'au crépuscule.

Imperative verb followed by a duration phrase.

The streetlights come on automatically at dusk.

Les réverbères s'allument automatiquement à la tombée de la nuit.

Adverb 'automatically' adds detail to the action.

We should finish our walk before dusk.

Nous devrions finir notre promenade avant la tombée de la nuit.

Modal verb 'should' for a recommendation.

The owls start hunting at dusk.

Les hiboux commencent à chasser au crépuscule.

Verb 'start' followed by a gerund 'hunting'.

The sky turned purple during dusk.

Le ciel est devenu violet pendant le crépuscule.

Past simple 'turned' to describe a change.

He works from dawn till dusk.

Il travaille de l'aube au crépuscule.

Idiomatic phrase 'from dawn till dusk'.

It's hard to see the trail in the dusk.

Il est difficile de voir le sentier dans le crépuscule.

It's + adjective + to-infinitive structure.

The air feels cooler at dusk.

L'air semble plus frais au crépuscule.

Linking verb 'feels' with a comparative adjective.

They reached the village just at dusk.

Ils ont atteint le village juste au crépuscule.

Adverb 'just' emphasizes the exact timing.

As dusk fell, the temperature began to drop rapidly.

Alors que le crépuscule tombait, la température a commencé à chuter rapidement.

Subordinating conjunction 'as' to show simultaneous actions.

The gathering dusk made it difficult to recognize faces.

Le crépuscule naissant rendait difficile la reconnaissance des visages.

Participial adjective 'gathering' modifying 'dusk'.

Photographers love the soft light of dusk.

Les photographes adorent la lumière douce du crépuscule.

Noun phrase 'the soft light of dusk' as a direct object.

The city looks completely different at dusk.

La ville a l'air complètement différente au crépuscule.

Adverb 'completely' modifying the adjective 'different'.

We sat on the balcony, watching the dusk settle over the sea.

Nous nous sommes assis sur le balcon, regardant le crépuscule s'installer sur la mer.

Present participle phrase 'watching...' providing extra info.

The festival begins at dusk with a firework display.

Le festival commence au crépuscule avec un feu d'artifice.

Present simple for a scheduled event.

I find the quiet of dusk very peaceful.

Je trouve le calme du crépuscule très paisible.

Verb + object + adjective complement structure.

Many animals are most active at dusk and dawn.

De nombreux animaux sont plus actifs au crépuscule et à l'aube.

Superlative 'most active' with time phrases.

The transition from daylight to dusk is often remarkably brief in the tropics.

La transition de la lumière du jour au crépuscule est souvent remarquablement brève sous les tropiques.

Complex noun phrase as the subject.

The painting captures the eerie atmosphere of the forest at dusk.

Le tableau capture l'atmosphère étrange de la forêt au crépuscule.

Verb 'captures' with a descriptive object phrase.

Visibility was so poor at dusk that the search had to be called off.

La visibilité était si mauvaise au crépuscule que les recherches ont dû être interrompues.

So + adjective + that clause for result.

The bats emerged from the cave in a great cloud just after dusk.

Les chauves-souris sont sorties de la grotte en un grand nuage juste après le crépuscule.

Prepositional phrase 'in a great cloud' describing the manner.

He had a habit of taking long, contemplative walks at dusk.

Il avait l'habitude de faire de longues marches contemplatives au crépuscule.

Noun 'habit' followed by 'of' and a gerund phrase.

The lighthouse beam became visible only as the dusk deepened.

Le faisceau du phare n'est devenu visible que lorsque le crépuscule s'est intensifié.

Adverb 'only' modifying the 'as' clause.

Dusk is the time when the boundaries between day and night blur.

Le crépuscule est le moment où les limites entre le jour et la nuit s'estompent.

Relative clause 'when...' defining the time.

The ancient ruins took on a mysterious glow in the fading dusk.

Les ruines antiques ont pris une lueur mystérieuse dans le crépuscule déclinant.

Phrasal verb 'took on' meaning to acquire a quality.

The poet used the imagery of dusk to symbolize the waning of the protagonist's influence.

Le poète a utilisé l'imagerie du crépuscule pour symboliser le déclin de l'influence du protagoniste.

Infinitive of purpose 'to symbolize'.

Nautical dusk provides enough light for mariners to distinguish the horizon.

Le crépuscule nautique fournit assez de lumière pour que les marins puissent distinguer l'horizon.

Adjective 'nautical' specifying the type of dusk.

The city's silhouette was etched sharply against the vibrant orange of the late dusk.

La silhouette de la ville se découpait nettement sur l'orange vif du crépuscule tardif.

Passive voice 'was etched' for descriptive effect.

There is a certain melancholy associated with the arrival of dusk in the winter.

Il y a une certaine mélancolie associée à l'arrivée du crépuscule en hiver.

Past participle 'associated' used as an adjective.

The transition into dusk triggers a series of physiological changes in many species.

La transition vers le crépuscule déclenche une série de changements physiologiques chez de nombreuses espèces.

Subject 'transition' with a complex prepositional phrase.

The shadows lengthened and merged as the day surrendered to dusk.

Les ombres s'allongèrent et fusionnèrent alors que le jour cédait la place au crépuscule.

Personification of 'day' surrendering to 'dusk'.

Despite the gathering dusk, he continued to work on the engine by touch alone.

Malgré le crépuscule naissant, il a continué à travailler sur le moteur uniquement au toucher.

Concessive phrase 'Despite...' followed by a noun phrase.

The atmosphere at dusk is often characterized by a profound, heavy silence.

L'atmosphère au crépuscule est souvent caractérisée par un silence profond et pesant.

Passive voice with a descriptive prepositional phrase.

The novel's denouement takes place in the liminal space of a summer dusk.

Le dénouement du roman se déroule dans l'espace liminal d'un crépuscule d'été.

Use of the academic adjective 'liminal'.

Astronomical dusk marks the point beyond which the sky is sufficiently dark for all but the faintest celestial objects.

Le crépuscule astronomique marque le point au-delà duquel le ciel est suffisamment sombre pour tous les objets célestes, sauf les plus faibles.

Complex relative clause with 'beyond which'.

The painter masterfully manipulated the values to evoke the fleeting translucence of dusk.

Le peintre a magistralement manipulé les valeurs pour évoquer la translucidité fugace du crépuscule.

Adverb 'masterfully' and abstract noun 'translucence'.

In the gloaming—that period of dusk so beloved by the Romantics—the world feels transformed.

Dans le crépuscule—cette période si chère aux Romantiques—le monde semble transformé.

Appositive phrase using the synonym 'gloaming'.

The onset of dusk was heralded by the sudden, discordant cries of the rooks.

Le début du crépuscule a été annoncé par les cris soudains et discordants des freux.

Passive voice with 'heralded by'.

She felt a strange kinship with the dusk, as if her own spirit were fading in tandem with the light.

Elle ressentait une étrange parenté avec le crépuscule, comme si son propre esprit s'effaçait en tandem avec la lumière.

Subjunctive mood 'were fading' after 'as if'.

The architectural details of the cathedral were obscured by the encroaching dusk, leaving only its massive bulk visible.

Les détails architecturaux de la cathédrale étaient obscurcis par le crépuscule envahissant, ne laissant visible que sa masse imposante.

Present participle 'encroaching' and 'leaving' for description.

Dusk serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of all things.

Le crépuscule sert de rappel poignant de la nature éphémère de toutes choses.

Metaphorical use of 'dusk' with high-level adjectives.

近义词

twilight nightfall sunset sundown evenfall

反义词

dawn sunrise

常见搭配

at dusk

from dawn till dusk

gathering dusk

dusk falls

early dusk

dusk sky

until dusk

before dusk

deepening dusk

cool dusk

常用短语

Open from dawn to dusk

By dusk

At the first sign of dusk

Into the dusk

The fading dusk

Dusk till dawn

As dusk approaches

In the quiet of dusk

The purple of dusk

Wait for dusk

容易混淆的词

dusk vs sunset

Sunset is the moment the sun disappears; dusk is the period of light that follows.

dusk vs dawn

Dawn is the morning transition; dusk is the evening transition.

dusk vs twilight

Twilight is a broader term for both morning and evening light.

习语与表达

"From dawn till dusk"

From early morning until late evening; all day long.

She works from dawn till dusk to support her family.

neutral

"Dusk to dawn"

Throughout the entire night.

The security guard works a dusk to dawn shift.

neutral

"The dusk of one's life"

The later years of a person's life; old age.

He spent the dusk of his life traveling the world.

literary

"In the dusk of history"

Referring to a time that is poorly recorded or mysterious.

The origins of the tribe are lost in the dusk of history.

literary

"Chasing the dusk"

Trying to finish something before time runs out.

We were chasing the dusk to get the tent set up.

informal

"A dusk-colored mood"

A feeling of quiet sadness or contemplation.

The news left him in a dusk-colored mood.

poetic

"At the dusk of an era"

At the very end of a significant period of time.

The fall of the wall marked the dusk of an era.

formal

"Between dusk and dark"

In the very specific, fleeting moment of late twilight.

It happened in that strange time between dusk and dark.

neutral

"Dusk's embrace"

The feeling of being surrounded by the evening.

The valley was held in dusk's embrace.

poetic

"Shadows of dusk"

The long shadows that appear as the sun sets.

The shadows of dusk hid the thief's escape.

neutral

容易混淆

dusk vs dust

Similar sound.

Dust is small particles of dirt; dusk is a time of day.

The shelf was covered in dust. We arrived at dusk.

dusk vs desk

Similar spelling and sound.

A desk is a piece of furniture; dusk is a time of day.

I sit at my desk until dusk.

dusk vs dark

Related concept.

Dark is the absence of light; dusk is the transition to darkness.

It is dark at night. It is dim at dusk.

dusk vs task

Similar sound.

A task is a piece of work; dusk is a time of day.

I finished my task at dusk.

dusk vs tusk

Similar sound.

A tusk is a long tooth (like an elephant's); dusk is a time of day.

The elephant has a long tusk. We saw it at dusk.

句型

It is [time].

It is dusk.

At [time], [action].

At dusk, we go home.

[Subject] [verb] before dusk.

We must finish before dusk.

As dusk [verb], [result].

As dusk fell, the lights came on.

The [adjective] dusk [verb].

The gathering dusk made it hard to see.

[Action] in the [adjective] of dusk.

They whispered in the deepening shadows of dusk.

[Abstract subject] [verb] the [adjective] of dusk.

The silence accentuated the fleeting beauty of dusk.

All

From dawn till dusk.

He worked from dawn till dusk.

词族

名词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Common in both written and spoken English, though more frequent in descriptive writing.

常见错误

The sun is dusk. → The sun is setting.
Dusk is a time of day, not an action the sun performs. Use 'setting' for the sun.
I'll see you in dusk. → I'll see you at dusk.
The idiomatic preposition for 'dusk' when used as a point in time is 'at'.
It was a beautiful dusk morning. → It was a beautiful dawn morning.
Dusk is in the evening; dawn is in the morning. Don't swap them!
The room was full of dusk. → The room was full of dust.
Unless you mean the room was filled with evening light, you probably mean 'dust' (dirt particles).
At the dusk, the birds sing. → At dusk, the birds sing.
We usually omit the article 'the' in the phrase 'at dusk'.

小贴士

Use 'at' for time

Always remember to use the preposition 'at' when specifying that an event happens during this time. 'At dusk' is the most natural phrase.

Pair with 'Dawn'

Learning 'dawn' and 'dusk' together as a pair will help you remember both words more easily as they are opposites.

Use for atmosphere

When writing, use 'dusk' instead of 'evening' if you want to emphasize the specific quality of the light or a sense of transition.

Driving tip

In English-speaking countries, you will often hear 'turn on your lights at dusk.' This is a key safety phrase to know.

Wildlife watching

If you are interested in animals, remember that dusk is the best time to see many creatures that are not active during the day.

The Blue Hour

If you are a photographer, 'dusk' is your best friend. The light is soft and even, making for great photos.

Don't forget the 'K'

Make sure to include the 'k' at the end of the word. Without it, you are writing 'dus,' which is not a word, or 'dust,' which is something else.

Dawn till dusk

Use the phrase 'from dawn till dusk' to describe someone who works very hard or something that lasts all day.

Listen for the 'U'

The 'u' in dusk is short, like the 'u' in 'up.' This will help you distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.

Check park signs

When traveling in English-speaking countries, always check park signs for 'dawn to dusk' hours to avoid getting locked in!

记住它

记忆技巧

Dusk is when the sun goes DOWN. Both start with 'D'. Dawn is when the day starts. Both start with 'D'. Wait, that's confusing! Try this: Dusk has a 'U' for 'Under'. The sun is going UNDER the horizon.

视觉联想

Imagine a purple sky with a single orange line on the horizon and the first star appearing. That is dusk.

Word Web

Night Sunset Stars Shadows Evening Twilight Purple Quiet

挑战

Try to use the word 'dusk' in a sentence today when you see the sun starting to go down.

词源

The word 'dusk' comes from the Old English word 'dox,' which meant 'dark-colored' or 'gloomy.' It is related to the Old High German word 'tuscher' meaning 'dark.' Over time, the 'x' sound shifted to 'sk,' leading to the Middle English 'duske.'

原始含义： Dark-colored, shadowy, or dim.

Germanic

文化背景

The adjective 'dusky' was historically used to describe skin color and can be considered offensive or dated in certain contexts today.

In the UK and US, 'dawn to dusk' is a standard legal and social phrase for daylight hours.

The movie 'From Dusk Till Dawn'. The poem 'The Gloaming' (related concept). The 'Blue Hour' in photography.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Nature and Parks

Open from dawn to dusk
Closed at dusk
Observe wildlife at dusk
Return to camp by dusk

Driving and Safety

Turn on headlights at dusk
Poor visibility at dusk
Watch for deer at dusk
Dusk is a dangerous time for pedestrians

Photography

The light at dusk
Shooting during dusk
The blue hour of dusk
Long exposures at dusk

Daily Routine

Home by dusk
Walk the dog at dusk
Dinner at dusk
The quiet of dusk

Literature/Storytelling

As dusk fell
In the gathering dusk
The shadows of dusk
A cold, grey dusk

对话开场白

"Do you prefer the light at dawn or the light at dusk?"

"What is the most beautiful place you have ever seen at dusk?"

"Do you usually feel more energetic or more tired when dusk arrives?"

"In your country, what time does dusk usually happen in the winter?"

"Are there any special traditions in your culture that happen at dusk?"

日记主题

Describe the view from your window at dusk. What colors do you see and what sounds do you hear?

Write about a time you were outside at dusk and something unexpected happened.

How does the atmosphere of your city change when dusk falls?

Compare and contrast the feelings of dawn and dusk. Which one do you like better and why?

Imagine you are a nocturnal animal. Describe your feelings as you wake up at dusk.

常见问题

10 个问题

Not exactly. Evening is a general time of day from late afternoon until bedtime. Dusk is a specific atmospheric condition where the light is fading after the sun has set. You can say 'dusk happens in the evening,' but not all of evening is dusk.

Dusk starts immediately after sunset. As soon as the sun's disk is completely below the horizon, the period of dusk begins and continues until the sky is totally dark.

Yes, you can, but 'at dusk' is more common when you are talking about a specific time. 'In the dusk' is often used when you are describing the atmosphere or the light itself, such as 'The trees looked strange in the dusk.'

The direct opposite is 'dawn.' Dawn is the period of increasing light in the morning before the sun rises. Just as dusk leads to night, dawn leads to day.

The duration of dusk depends on your location on Earth and the time of year. Near the equator, it is very short (about 20-30 minutes). Near the poles, it can last for hours or even weeks during certain seasons.

It is less common than 'dusk.' It is an adjective used to describe something that is dim, shadowy, or dark-colored. Be careful, as it has been used historically to describe skin color in ways that are now considered insensitive.

Dusk is a high-risk time for driving because the light is 'flat,' which reduces contrast and makes it harder to see hazards. It is also the time when many animals, like deer, are most active and likely to cross roads.

Scientists divide dusk into Civil Dusk (brightest), Nautical Dusk (when sailors can see the horizon), and Astronomical Dusk (when the sky is dark enough for astronomers to see faint stars).

No, 'dusk' is only a noun in English. You cannot say 'The sky is dusking.' Instead, you should say 'Dusk is falling' or 'It is getting dark.'

Neither is 'better,' but they have different uses. 'Twilight' is more general and sounds a bit more poetic or scientific. 'Dusk' is very common, specific to the evening, and is used in everyday signs and warnings.