Sunrise vs. Sunset — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Sunrise" refers to the moment the sun appears above the eastern horizon in the morning; "Sunset" is when the sun disappears below the western horizon in the evening.
Difference Between Sunrise and Sunset
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Sunrise" and "Sunset" are terms that represent the appearance and disappearance of the sun at two different times of the day, respectively. Sunrise occurs in the morning when the sun first appears above the eastern horizon, marking the start of a new day. This phenomenon is associated with renewal, beginnings, and the breaking of dawn, shedding light and warmth on the world.
Conversely, sunset is the event occurring in the evening when the sun vanishes below the western horizon. This marks the end of the day, leading into the darkness of night. Sunset is often associated with reflections, endings, and a sense of closure, casting an array of colors across the sky as it descends.
While sunrise brings an influx of light, symbolizing hope and awakening, sunset introduces a serene darkness, paving the way for the moon and stars. The colors of sunrise are usually soft, warm hues spreading across the sky, symbolizing the breaking of a new day, the awakening of life and nature.
In contrast, sunset often brings about a more vivid and varied palette of reds, oranges, purples, and pinks, reflecting the concluding day and the impending arrival of night. Sunsets are the harbingers of the nocturnal world, ushering in the realm of stars and the moon.
In essence, sunrise and sunset are the bookmarks of our day, one opening and awakening the world with its light, the other closing the chapter of the day, leading the way into the tranquil domain of the night.
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Comparison Chart
Time of Day
Morning
Evening
Direction
Appears above the eastern horizon
Disappears below the western horizon
Symbolism
Represents beginnings and renewal
Symbolizes endings and reflection
Associated Colors
Soft, warm hues
Vivid and varied palette of colors
Role in a Day
Marks the start of a new day
Marks the end of the day
Compare with Definitions
Sunrise
The transition from darkness to light occurring in the morning.
Observing the peaceful transition during sunrise is a soothing experience.
Sunset
A symbol of reflection and ending.
The beauty of the sunset made him reflect on the day’s events.
Sunrise
The appearance of the sun above the eastern horizon in the morning.
The sky painted in soft hues during the sunrise is a beautiful sight.
Sunset
The moment when the sun disappears below the western horizon in the evening.
The sky was ablaze with vibrant colors during the sunset.
Sunrise
The time at which the sun begins to rise in the morning.
We decided to wake up early to catch the stunning sunrise at the beach.
Sunset
The concluding phase of the day, leading into night.
The day’s turmoil came to a peaceful end with a breathtaking sunset.
Sunrise
A symbol of a new beginning and renewal.
The sunrise represented a fresh start for her, a new chapter in life.
Sunset
Sunset, also known as sundown, is the daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon due to Earth's rotation. As viewed from everywhere on Earth (except the North and South poles), the equinox Sun sets due west at the moment of both the Spring and Autumn equinox.
Sunrise
The breaking of the day, bringing light and warmth.
The rays of the sunrise brought warmth to the chilly morning air.
Sunset
The event or time of the disappearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it sets below the horizon.
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Sunset
The sky as the sun sets
A rosy sunset.
Sunrise
The time in the morning when the sun appears or full daylight arrives
An hour before sunrise
Sunset
A decline or final phase
The sunset of an empire.
Sunrise
The event or time of the appearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it rises above the horizon, typically the eastern horizon except for extreme latitudes.
Sunset
(Law) The automatic expiration of a statutory provision on a previously established date, in the absence of reauthorization
The law's sunset was July 1.
Sunrise
The sky as the sun rises
Saw a beautiful sunrise.
Sunset
(Law) Providing for an automatic expiration.
Sunrise
An outset or emergence
The sunrise of classical art and sculpture.
Sunset
To expire on a previously established date, as a statutory provision.
Sunrise
The time of day when the sun appears above the eastern horizon.
I'll meet you at the docks at sunrise.
Sunset
To provide for the expiration of (a program or agency) by means of a sunset provision.
Sunrise
The change in color of the sky at dawn.
Did you see the beautiful sunrise this morning?
Sunset
The moment each evening when the sun disappears below the western horizon.
At sunset
Sunrise
(figuratively) Any great awakening.
It was the sunrise of her spirit.
Sunset
The changes in color of the sky before and after sunset.
Sunrise
The first appearance of the sun above the horizon in the morning; more generally, the time of such appearance, whether in fair or cloudy weather; as, to begin work at sunrise.
Sunset
(figuratively) The final period of the life of a person or thing.
One's sunset years
Sunrise
Hence, the region where the sun rises; the east.
Which were beyond Jordan toward the sunrising.
Full hot and fast the Saxon rides, with rein of travel slack,And, bending o'ev his saddle, leaves the sunrise at his back.
Sunset
(attributively) A set termination date.
The tax increase legislation included a sunset clause requiring renewal to prevent the tax increase from expiring.
Sunrise
The first light of day;
We got up before dawn
They talked until morning
Sunset
The region where the sun sets; the west.
Sunrise
Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily appearance of the sun
Sunset
To phase out.
We’ll be sunsetting version 1.9 of the software shortly after releasing version 2.0 next quarter.
Sunrise
The daily event of the sun rising above the horizon
Sunset
The descent of the sun below the horizon; also, the time when the sun sets; evening. Also used figuratively.
'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore.
Sunrise
Of an industry or technology; new and developing;
High-technology sunrise industries
Sunset
Hence, the region where the sun sets; the west.
Sunset
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
Sunset
Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily disappearance of the sun
Sunset
The daily event of the sun sinking below the horizon
Sunset
Of a declining industry or technology;
Sunset industries
Sunset
Providing for termination;
A program with a sunset provision
Sunset
The time when daylight fades, giving way to the darkness of night.
As the sunset, the sky was adorned with stars, sparkling in the night.
Sunset
The occurrence marking the transition from day to night.
The serene sunset was a reminder of the constant cycle of life.
Common Curiosities
What time does sunrise usually occur?
Sunrise occurs in the morning, but the exact time varies depending on geographical location and time of year.
Can sunset occur in the north or south?
Typically, the sun sets in the general direction of the west, not true north or south.
Is sunrise the start of a new day?
Yes, sunrise marks the beginning of a new day.
Is sunset a sign of the end of the day?
Yes, sunset symbolizes the conclusion of the day.
Can sunrise have an emotional or psychological effect on people?
Yes, many people find sunrise to be uplifting and rejuvenating, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
Is sunset always colorful?
While many sunsets are colorful, the presence and type of color can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and location.
Is sunrise warmer than sunset?
Temperature-wise, mornings at sunrise are generally cooler, but the sunlight at sunrise and sunset is often warm and soft.
Does the sunset time vary throughout the year?
Yes, the time of sunset changes with the seasons due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.
Is it true that no two sunrises are exactly the same?
Yes, due to varying atmospheric and environmental conditions, each sunrise is unique.
Is sunset associated with any specific emotions or symbols?
Sunset often symbolizes peace, reflection, and closure and can evoke feelings of tranquility and nostalgia.
Do sunrise and sunset affect animal behavior?
Yes, many animals adjust their activities around the times of sunrise and sunset, affecting their feeding, sleeping, and mating behaviors.
Can the colors of sunset vary?
Absolutely, sunset colors can vary widely, ranging from soft pinks to vibrant reds and oranges.
Does sunrise have any cultural or religious significance?
Yes, sunrise holds significant cultural and religious meaning in many societies, often symbolizing rebirth and enlightenment.
Is sunset portrayed in art and literature?
Absolutely, sunset has been a popular and symbolic subject in various art forms and literary works throughout history.
Can we predict the exact time of sunrise?
Yes, sunrise times can be accurately predicted based on geographical location and date.
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Written 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.
