How Do You Spell AT NIGHT?

Pronunciation: [at nˈa͡ɪt] (IPA)

The spelling of "at night" uses the phonetic transcription /ət naɪt/. The "a" sound is pronounced as a schwa, which is the most common vowel sound in English. The "t" in "at" is pronounced as a voiceless dental plosive, while the "n" is pronounced as a voiced dental nasal. The "i" in "night" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, which is also known as a diphthong. The "gh" in "night" is silent, and only serves as a historical remnant of the word's Germanic roots.

AT NIGHT Meaning and Definition

1. "At night" refers to the period of time occurring between sunset and sunrise, when the natural light from the sun is absent and darkness prevails. It is the period during which one would typically expect to sleep or rest, as it is the time when most people are accustomed to being in a state of unconsciousness. The dark and stillness of the night is often associated with calmness, silence, and solitude.

   During the nighttime, various changes occur in the environment. The absence of sunlight brings about a decrease in visibility, causing objects and surroundings to become less distinct and clear. Noises and sounds become more noticeable due to the quieter atmosphere, leading to heightened awareness of even the slightest disturbances. The nocturnal period also brings out unique phenomena such as the twinkling of stars, the illumination of the moon, and the occasional appearance of celestial events like meteor showers and eclipses.

   For many animals, especially nocturnal species, nightfall signifies a time of heightened activity. Creatures such as owls, bats, and raccoons are particularly active during the hours of darkness, while diurnal animals, which are primarily active during the day, settle down to rest. The night offers a different perspective and experience, as it may reveal hidden wildlife, natural phenomena, and wonders that would otherwise go unnoticed during the daytime.

   Overall, "at night" denotes the specific time at which darkness dominates the sky and signifies a period of rest, quiet, and potential exploration under the veiling cover of the nocturnal realm.

Common Misspellings for AT NIGHT

• atnight

Etymology of AT NIGHT

The word "night" is derived from the Old English word "niht", which dates back to the 9th century. "Niht" itself evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*nahts", which is also the root for similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the German "Nacht" and the Dutch "nacht". The phrase "at night" combines the preposition "at" with the noun "night", indicating a specific time during the dark period of the day. The preposition "at" is commonly used to reference a particular time or place.

Idioms with the word AT NIGHT

• how can you sleep at night The idiom "how can you sleep at night?" is a rhetorical question used to express intense disapproval, moral outrage, or disbelief towards someone's actions or behavior. It implies that the person being addressed has acted in a way that is morally wrong, unethical, or harmful, and questions how they can find peace of mind or be able to rest peacefully while engaging in such behavior.
• day and night, at night and day The idiom "day and night, at night and day" refers to continuously, without interruption, or constantly. It signifies that something happens or someone does something continuously, without any break or pause, regardless of the time of day. It emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of an action or occurrence.
• all cats are grey at night The idiom "all cats are grey at night" typically refers to how, in the darkness or when details are not clear, things or people may appear similar or undistinguishable. This idiom suggests that appearances can be deceiving or that superficial differences become less important when visual distinctions are absent.
• red sky at night, shepherd's delight The idiom "red sky at night, shepherd's delight" is used to indicate that if the sky is red at night, it signifies good weather the next day. It is often used to forecast pleasant and calm conditions.
• at night During the night; when it is dark outside and people usually sleep.