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

He has returned to better understand his son, who left his home state of Kentucky as a young man for a life his family could never fathom and conveniently kept in a half-light.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2019

A heavy boxing bag swung with barely perceptible creaks, keeping time in the half-light of the dusty old garage.

From The Guardian • Jun. 8, 2018

Was I jealous of the garnish on Moira’s cocktail, semi-visible in the half-light, possibly several actual blackberries impaled on a little stick?

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2018

It took a few seconds for her to find me, crouching by the window in the half-light of an afternoon behind drapes.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Related Words

• dusk
• sunset