daylight
gb/dˈeɪlˌaɪt/ us/dˈeɪlˌaɪt/
A2
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Natural light from the sun
Light from the sun that we see in the day.
Usage pattern:
[something] in daylight
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'daylight' with 'daytime'; 'daytime' refers to the period, while 'daylight' refers to the light itself.
Synonyms
sunlight (Refers specifically to direct rays from the sun, not just general daytime light.)
|
daytime light (A more descriptive phrase for clarity, often used in explanations.)
Antonyms
darkness (The absence of light, especially at night.)
Collocations
in daylight
|daylight hours
|by daylight
|lose daylight
|full daylight
Themes
nature
|daily life
|weather
Examples
- The photograph looks much better in daylight.
- We should finish the hike before we lose daylight.
- Daylight streamed through the open window.
- The crime happened in broad daylight.
- Plants need daylight to grow well.
Learner examples
- I can read better in daylight.
- We walk in daylight to be safe.
- Daylight comes through the window.
- The park is open in daylight.
- Daylight makes the room bright.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Period of natural light
The time from sunrise to sunset when it is light outside.
Usage pattern:
during daylight
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'daylight' with 'sunlight'; 'sunlight' is the light itself, while 'daylight' can mean both the light and the time period.
Synonyms
daytime (Refers to the general period when it is light outside; more common for talking about time than light itself.)
Antonyms
nighttime (The opposite period, between sunset and sunrise.)
Collocations
hours of daylight
|daylight saving
|daylight period
Themes
nature
|time
Examples
- In winter, there are fewer hours of daylight.
- We only work on the site during daylight.
- Daylight saving time begins in March.
- The animals are active only in daylight.
- Daylight fades quickly in autumn.
Learner examples
- There are many hours of daylight in summer.
- We travel in daylight for safety.
- Daylight is short in winter.
- I like to walk in daylight.
- Daylight ends at six o’clock.
Noun
informal
B1
state
3
Visibility due to sunlight
When it is easy to see because of sunlight.
Synonyms
brightness (General visibility and light level, not necessarily from the sun.)
Antonyms
obscurity (State of being difficult to see or unclear.)
Collocations
broad daylight
Themes
daily life
|weather
Examples
- The thief stole her bag in broad daylight.
- It’s strange to see stars in daylight.
- He was caught in broad daylight by security cameras.
Learner examples
- The man ran away in broad daylight.
- We saw stars in daylight today.
- They took my phone in broad daylight.
Noun
informal
B2
state
4
Awareness after confusion
When you suddenly understand something after not knowing it before.
Synonyms
realization (Focuses on becoming aware of something previously unknown.)
Antonyms
confusion (A state of not understanding something.)
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new evidence brought daylight to the case.
- It was like coming into daylight after years of darkness.
- Her explanation finally brought me into the daylight.
Learner examples
- I came into the daylight about his plan.
- The teacher brought daylight to my question.
- His words brought daylight to my mind.
Grammar
Dictionary form
daylight
IPA
GB/dˈeɪlˌaɪt/
US/dˈeɪlˌaɪt/
Syllables & stress
day - light (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (day)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: daylight
- Plural: daylight
Word family
Expressions
daylight saving time
1/dˈeɪlˌaɪt sˈeɪvɪŋ tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
Clock adjustment for longer evenings
The practice of moving clocks forward in spring and back in autumn to have more light in the evenings.
Examples
- Daylight saving time starts next Sunday.
- Not all countries use daylight saving time.
make daylight between [things/people]
1/mˈeɪk dˈeɪlˌaɪt bɪtwˈin θɪŋzpˈoʊpəl/
idiom
informal
Create difference or separation
To cause a clear difference or space between two things or people.
Examples
- The coach wants to make some daylight between our team and theirs in the rankings.
- They worked hard to make daylight between their product and the competition.
in broad daylight
1/ˈɪn bɹˈɔd dˈeɪlˌaɪt/
fixed phrase
During the day, openly visible
When it is light outside and easy to see everything.
Examples
- The robbery happened in broad daylight on a busy street.
- They kissed in broad daylight without caring who saw.
- She was attacked in broad daylight near her home.