Evening vs. Night — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Evening" refers to the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nighttime. "Night" is the time from sunset to sunrise when it's dark outside.
Difference Between Evening and Night
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Evening" and "night" are both periods that denote specific phases of a 24-hour day, with each having distinct characteristics. The term "evening" is typically associated with the time that follows the afternoon, marking the transitional phase when daylight begins to wane but before the complete darkness of night. On the other hand, "night" is characterized by the absence of natural sunlight, beginning at sunset and ending at sunrise.
Culturally, "evening" is often seen as a time for relaxation, unwinding, or partaking in social activities after a day's work. This period, with the remnants of daylight, creates a sense of calm and transition. Conversely, "night" is often associated with rest and sleep, though it can also be a time for certain activities, especially in urban settings with nightlife.
From a natural perspective, the shift from "evening" to "night" has profound impacts on the environment. During the evening, many animals become active, utilizing the twilight for feeding or other activities. In contrast, the onset of night sees a different set of creatures, especially nocturnal ones, becoming active while others seek shelter and rest.
In summation, while both "evening" and "night" are integral parts of our day, they have distinct attributes. "Evening" serves as a bridge between the day and the night, while "night" denotes the phase of total darkness before a new day begins.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Period post-afternoon till before full darkness.
Time from sunset to sunrise.
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Light Presence
Diminishing daylight.
Absence of natural sunlight.
Common Activities
Relaxing, socializing.
Resting, sleeping, or nightlife.
Environmental Impact
Transition in animal activity.
Nocturnal animals become active.
Cultural Association
Calmness and transition.
Rest, darkness, or mystery.
Compare with Definitions
Evening
The latter part of the day when daylight fades.
The evening sky was painted with hues of orange and pink.
Night
The period between bedtime and morning
Spent the night at a motel.
Evening
A time typically for relaxation after a day's activities.
He enjoyed reading in the evening.
Night
A time commonly associated with sleep and rest.
She had a restless night, tossing and turning.
Evening
The transition phase from day to night.
The evening breeze was refreshingly cool.
Night
The absence of daylight.
The city looked different under the night lights.
Evening
The period following afternoon and leading to nighttime.
She often went for a walk during the evening.
Night
A phase in the daily cycle after evening.
Night had fallen, and the streets were quiet.
Evening
A specific time frame in a 24-hour cycle after midday.
They planned to meet in the evening.
Night
A period marked by nocturnal activities.
Owls and bats are active during the night.
Evening
Evening is the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night. The exact times when evening begins and ends depend on location, time of year, and culture, but it is generally regarded as beginning when the Sun is low in the sky and lasting until the end of twilight.
Night
Night (also described as night time or night-time or nighttime, unconventionally spelled as nite) is the period of ambient darkness from sunset to sunrise during each 24-hour day, when the Sun is below the horizon. The exact time when night begins and ends depends on the location and varies throughout the year, based on factors such as season and latitude.
Evening
The period of decreasing daylight between afternoon and night.
Night
The period between sunset and sunrise, especially the hours of darkness.
Evening
The period between sunset or the evening meal and bedtime
A quiet evening at home.
Night
This period considered as a unit of time
For two nights running.
Evening
A later period or time
In the evening of one's life.
Night
This period considered from its conditions
A rainy night.
Evening
Chiefly Southern US The time from noon to twilight.
Night
The period between dusk and midnight of a given day
Either late Thursday night or early Friday morning.
Evening
The time of the day between dusk and night, when it gets dark.
Night
The period between evening and bedtime.
Evening
The time of the day between the approximate time of midwinter dusk and midnight (compare afternoon); the period after the end of regular office working hours.
Night
This period considered from its activities
A night at the opera.
Evening
(figuratively) A concluding time period; a point in time near the end of something; the beginning of the end of something.
It was the evening of the Roman Empire.
Night
This period set aside for a specific purpose
Parents' Night at school.
Evening
A party or gathering held in the evening.
Night
One's sleep during this period
Had a restless night.
Evening
Present participle of even
Night
Nightfall
Worked from morning to night.
Evening
Present participle of evene
Night
Darkness
Vanished into the night.
Evening
The latter part and close of the day, and the beginning of darkness or night; properly, the decline of the day, or of the sun.
In the ascending scaleOf heaven, the stars that usher evening rose.
Night
A time or condition of gloom, obscurity, ignorance, or despair
"In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning" (F. Scott Fitzgerald).
Evening
The latter portion, as of life; the declining period, as of strength or glory.
Night
A time or condition marked by absence of moral or ethical values
"He never would have let us go untroubled into the night of private greed" (Anthony Lewis).
Evening
The latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall);
He enjoyed the evening light across the lake
Night
Of or relating to the night
The night air.
Evening
A later concluding time period;
It was the evening of the Roman Empire
Night
Intended for use at night
A night light.
Evening
The early part of night (from dinner until bedtime) spent in a special way;
An evening at the opera
Night
Working during the night
The night nurse.
Night
Active chiefly at night
Night prowlers.
Night
Occurring after dark
Night baseball.
Night
(countable) The period between sunset and sunrise, when a location faces far away from the sun, thus when the sky is dark.
How do you sleep at night when you attack your kids like that!?
Night
The period of darkness beginning at the end of evening astronomical twilight when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon, and ending at the beginning of morning astronomical twilight.
Night
A period of time often defined in the legal system as beginning 30 minutes after sunset, and ending 30 minutes before sunrise.
Night
(countable) An evening or night spent at a particular activity.
A night on the town
Night
(countable) A night (and part of the days before and after it) spent in a place away from home, e.g. a hotel.
I stayed my friend's house for three nights.
Night
(uncountable) Nightfall.
From noon till night
Night
(uncountable) Darkness (due to it being nighttime).
The cat disappeared into the night.
Night
(uncountable) A dark blue colour, midnight blue.
Night
A night's worth of competitions, generally one game.
Night
Ellipsis of good night
Night, y'all! Thanks for a great evening!
Night
To spend a night (in a place), to overnight.
Night
That part of the natural day when the sun is beneath the horizon, or the time from sunset to sunrise; esp., the time between dusk and dawn, when there is no light of the sun, but only moonlight, starlight, or artificial light.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.
Night
Darkness; obscurity; concealment.
Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night.
Night
Intellectual and moral darkness; ignorance.
She closed her eyes in everlasting night.
Do not go gentle into that good nightRage, rage against the dying of the light.
Night
A lifeless or unenlivened period, as when nature seems to sleep.
So help me God, as I have watched the night,Ay, night by night, in studying good for England.
Night
The time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
Night
The time between sunset and midnight;
He watched television every night
Night
The period spent sleeping;
I had a restless night
Night
The dark part of the diurnal cycle considered a time unit;
Three nights later he collapsed
Night
Darkness;
It vanished into the night
Night
A shortening of nightfall;
They worked from morning to night
Night
A period of ignorance or backwardness or gloom
Night
Roman goddess of night; daughter of Erebus; counterpart of Greek Nyx
Night
The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
He gazed up at the stars throughout the night.
Common Curiosities
What denotes the beginning of Night?
Night begins with the sunset and lasts until sunrise.
Can Evening be considered part of Night?
No, evening is the transition phase leading up to night but is distinct from full nighttime.
Is Evening always before Night?
Yes, evening always precedes night in the daily cycle.
Which animals are active during the Night?
Nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and raccoons are active during the night.
Can Evening refer to a social event?
Yes, "evening" can also refer to a social gathering or event that takes place during that time.
Do all cultures perceive Night the same way?
No, cultural perceptions of night can vary, with some viewing it as mysterious or sacred.
Can Evening and Night be used metaphorically?
Yes, "evening" can signify the later stages of life or an event, while "night" might symbolize darkness, mystery, or challenges.
When does Evening start?
Evening starts after the afternoon and lasts until nighttime begins.
How long does Evening last?
The duration of evening varies based on geographic location and time of year.
Why is Evening often cooler than the afternoon?
Evening experiences a drop in temperatures due to the reduction in sunlight and heat.
Why is Night associated with rest?
Night is traditionally a time when people sleep due to the absence of natural light.
Is Night the longest during winter?
Yes, in many locations, nights are longer during the winter months.
Are there celebrations specific to Evening or Night?
Yes, some cultural or religious celebrations are specific to the evening or night, like evening prayers or nighttime festivals.
Is Night considered a time of peace in literature?
Often, night is symbolically portrayed as a time of peace, rest, or introspection in literature.
How do plants react to Night?
Many plants close their flowers or reduce their metabolic activities during the night.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
