Daytime vs. Daylight — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
Daytime refers to the period when the sun is above the horizon, whereas daylight specifically denotes the natural light from the sun during this time.
Difference Between Daytime and Daylight
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Daytime is defined by the presence of the sun above the horizon, marking the hours between sunrise and sunset. In contrast, daylight refers to the natural light provided by the sun, which can vary in intensity and duration.
During daytime, activities and life rhythms are structured around the availability of natural light. Meanwhile, daylight influences not just visibility but also the mood and behavior of living organisms.
The length of daytime changes with the seasons and geographical location, impacting daily schedules and lifestyles. On the other hand, the quality and quantity of daylight affect aspects like vitamin D synthesis in humans and photosynthesis in plants.
Daytime is often used in a broader temporal context, such as legal or social scheduling. Whereas daylight is specifically considered in contexts relating to light exposure, such as photography or architecture.
Clocks and timekeeping are synchronized to the concept of daytime, coordinating work and social events. Daylight, however, is crucial for determining the quality of outdoor activities and energy usage in buildings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The period when the sun is above the horizon.
The natural light from the sun.
Dependency
Dependent on the sun’s position relative to the horizon.
Dependent on weather conditions and sun’s position.
Impact on Activities
Determines the general timeframe for daily activities.
Influences the quality and safety of outdoor activities.
Usage in Contexts
Broader, used in legal, social, and temporal contexts.
Specific, often used in relation to light exposure.
Changes
Varies by season and latitude (length).
Varies by season, weather, and latitude (intensity).
Compare with Definitions
Daytime
Used to describe phenomena occurring or active during the day.
Daytime temperatures are expected to rise.
Daylight
A term used in saving schemes, as in daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time begins in the spring to extend evening daylight.
Daytime
The span of a day during which outdoor activities are typically conducted.
Most people prefer to travel during daytime.
Daylight
The natural light from the sun, influencing visibility.
Daylight is essential for healthy plant growth.
Daytime
The period during which the sun is visible above the horizon.
Daytime hours increase during the summer.
Daylight
A measure of light quality in photography and film.
Photographers prefer early morning daylight for natural effect shots.
Daytime
A descriptor for programming or activities scheduled during daylight hours.
Daytime television caters to a different audience than late-night shows.
Daylight
Used metaphorically to describe insight or solution becoming clear.
We finally saw daylight on the project issues after the meeting.
Daytime
The hours between sunrise and sunset as marked by official timekeeping.
Office hours usually coincide with the daytime.
Daylight
Refers to the time when this light is available during the day.
He tried to finish his work while there was still daylight.
Daytime
On Earth, daytime is the period of the day during which a given location experiences natural illumination from direct sunlight. Daytime occurs when the Sun appears above the local horizon, that is, anywhere on the globe's hemisphere facing the Sun.
Daylight
Daylight is the combination of all direct and indirect sunlight during the daytime. This includes direct sunlight, diffuse sky radiation, and (often) both of these reflected by Earth and terrestrial objects, like landforms and buildings.
Daytime
The time between sunrise and sunset.
Daylight
The light of day; sunlight.
Daytime
Occurring in or appropriate for use during the day
Daytime tasks.
Daytime clothes.
Daylight
Dawn
At work before daylight.
Daytime
The time of daylight; the time between sunrise and sunset.
Daylight
Daytime.
Daytime
Pertaining to daytime; appropriate to the day.
Daylight
Exposure to public notice
Corrupt business practices that were finally brought to daylight.
Daytime
Happening during the day.
Daytime television
Daylight
Understanding or insight into what was formerly obscure
New evidence that gave the researchers some daylight into the matter.
Daytime
The time during which there is daylight, as distinguished from the night; same as day, 1; as, during the daytime.
Daylight
(Sports) An opening, as between defensive players, especially one providing an opportunity for action
The running back found some daylight and gained six yards.
Daytime
The time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside;
The dawn turned night into day
It is easier to make the repairs in the daytime
Daylight
Daylights(Slang) One's wits
"His adventurism had scared the daylights out of them" (Frederick Forsyth).
Daytime
Happening during or appropriate to the day;
A daytime job
Daytime television
Daytime clothes
Daylight
The light from the Sun, as opposed to that from any other source.
Daylight
A light source that simulates daylight.
Daylight
The intensity distribution of light over the visible spectrum generated by the Sun under various conditions or by other light sources intended to simulate natural daylight.
Daylight
The period of time between sunrise and sunset.
We should get home while it's still daylight.
Daylight
Daybreak.
We had only two hours to work before daylight.
Daylight
Exposure to public scrutiny.
Budgeting a spy organization can't very well be done in daylight.
Daylight
A clear, open space.
All small running backs instinctively run to daylight.
He could barely see daylight through the complex clockwork.
Finally, after weeks of work on the project, they could see daylight.
Daylight
The space between platens on a press or similar machinery.
The minimum and maximum daylights on an injection molding machine determines the sizes of the items it can make.
Daylight
(figurative) Emotional or psychological distance between people, or disagreement.
We completely agree. There's no daylight between us on the issue.
Daylight
The gap between the top of a drinking-glass and the level of drink it is filled with.
Daylight
To expose to daylight
Daylight
(architecture) To provide sources of natural illumination such as skylights or windows.
Daylight
To allow light in, as by opening drapes.
Daylight
To run a drainage pipe to an opening from which its contents can drain away naturally.
Daylight
(intransitive) To gain exposure to the open.
The seam of coal daylighted at a cliff by the river.
Daylight
The light of day as opposed to the darkness of night; the light of the sun, as opposed to that of the moon or to artificial light.
Daylight
The eyes.
Daylight
The time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside;
The dawn turned night into day
It is easier to make the repairs in the daytime
Daylight
Light during the daytime
Common Curiosities
Why is daylight important in photography?
Daylight provides natural lighting, which is crucial for capturing true colors and shadows in photography.
Does the duration of daytime equal the duration of daylight?
Generally, yes, but atmospheric conditions can affect the perception and quality of daylight.
How does daylight saving time affect daytime?
Daylight saving time shifts the clock to extend evening daylight, altering the perception of daytime hours.
What is the main difference between daytime and daylight?
Daytime is the period when the sun is above the horizon, whereas daylight is the natural light from the sun during this period.
How do changes in daylight affect human health?
Variations in daylight exposure can impact circadian rhythms and vitamin D synthesis.
Are there any technologies that mimic natural daylight?
Yes, various lighting technologies are designed to mimic the spectrum of natural daylight for indoor use.
What are the effects of prolonged exposure to daylight?
Prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage or benefit vitamin D production, depending on the duration and intensity.
Is daylight the same everywhere on Earth?
No, daylight varies in intensity and duration depending on geographical location and season.
How is daytime calculated?
Daytime is calculated based on the sun’s position above the horizon, from sunrise to sunset.
What are daylight sensors?
Daylight sensors are devices that adjust indoor lighting based on the amount of natural daylight entering a space.
Can daytime and daylight be used interchangeably?
No, daytime refers to the time span, while daylight refers to the type of natural light.
What role does daylight play in ecosystems?
Daylight regulates photosynthesis in plants and behavior patterns in animals.
Can daylight affect mental health?
Yes, adequate daylight exposure is linked to improved mood and decreased risk of seasonal affective disorder.
What is the difference between daylight and sunlight?
Sunlight is the direct rays from the sun, whereas daylight includes overall natural light from the sky during daytime.
How do businesses use the concept of daylight?
Businesses plan their operations around daylight for energy efficiency and to enhance customer experience.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
