ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sunlight

n. uncountable
A1 Beginner US //ˈsənˌɫaɪt// UK //sˈʌnlaɪt// sun·light

n. the natural light that comes from the sun during the day.

n. the total spectrum of electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, particularly as it appears as visible light on Earth.


SIMPLE

The plants grow quickly in the bright sunlight.

CONTEXTUAL

We moved the desk closer to the window to take advantage of the natural sunlight during the afternoon.

COMPLEX

Architects often incorporate large glass panels to maximise the penetration of sunlight into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the occupants' mood.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English sonnelight, sunneliht, from Old English sunnan lēoht (“sunlight”), equivalent to sun + light. Cognate with Dutch zonlicht (“sunlight”), German Low German Sünnenlücht (“sunlight”), German Sonnenlicht (“sunlight”).

Usage

Typically uncountable when referring to the light itself; rarely used in the plural except in poetic or highly specific scientific contexts.

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