half-light

American  

[haf-lahyt, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌlaɪt, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. light that is about half its customary brightness, or that is partially dimmed or obscured.

   the half-light of early dawn; a room in half-light.

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half-light British  

noun

1. a dim light, as at dawn or dusk

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Etymology

Origin of half-light

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

It was impossible to tell what was happening just offshore in the half-light.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024

In “Resurrection,” Rebecca Hall speaks for seven minutes, in the hushed half-light of an office after hours, to an intern she has been mentoring.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2023

Somaliland’s half-light existence as an unrecognized state has complicated its pandemic response.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2022

There is a palpable sadness that emanates from her image of a shell-shocked Lennon standing in the ghostly half-light, but she much preferred another portrait she made in the same session.

From The Guardian • May 19, 2020

I looked at her in the half-light of the freeway.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• dusk
• sunset