Sundown vs. Sunset: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Sunset" refers to the moment the sun dips below the horizon, while "sundown" is the period when the sun is just about to set or has just set.
Key Differences
Sunset is a specific astronomical event marking the sun's descent below the horizon. Sundown, however, is often used more broadly to describe the time when the sun is near or just below the horizon.
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Nov 28, 2023
The term sunset is often associated with the exact time this event occurs. In contrast, sundown can refer to the entire period of diminishing light as the sun sets.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sunset is a precise term in astronomy and meteorology, indicating a specific phase of twilight. Sundown is less precise, sometimes encompassing the entire dusk period.
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Nov 28, 2023
In photography and art, sunset usually refers to the visual phenomena and colors observed. Sundown, however, might refer to the overall ambiance of the late evening.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sunset is often used in scientific and navigational contexts for its precision. Sundown is more commonly used in casual conversation or in cultural contexts, such as literature or music.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The period around the sun setting, less specific.
The exact moment the sun goes below the horizon.
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Nov 28, 2023
Usage in Context
Broader, often encompassing the entire dusk period.
Specific, referring to a distinct astronomical event.
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Precision
Less precise, more general.
Precise and often calculated to the minute.
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Associated Phenomena
Can refer to the overall ambiance of late evening.
Specifically relates to the colors and light during sunset.
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Nov 28, 2023
Cultural References
More commonly used in a metaphorical or casual sense.
Often used in scientific, navigational, and artistic contexts.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Sundown and Sunset Definitions
Sundown
The time in the evening when the sun disappears or daylight fades.
They planned to reach the campsite by sundown.
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Sunset
The time or light of the setting sun.
They enjoyed the beautiful sunset from the beach.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sundown
The period of the evening when the sky starts getting dark.
The streets become busy around sundown.
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Sunset
The daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon.
The sunset painted the sky in brilliant colors.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sundown
The twilight phase just before nightfall.
The festival begins at sundown.
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Sunset
The atmospheric conditions associated with the sun setting.
The sunset created a perfect backdrop for their photos.
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Sundown
Used metaphorically to signify the end or closing phase.
His career was approaching its sundown.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sunset
A symbol of ending or decline.
The policy will face its sunset next year.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sunset
The event or time of the disappearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it sets below the horizon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sundown
(countable) A hat with a wide brim to shade the eyes from sunlight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sundown
To experience an episode or an onset of some detrimental mental condition like agitation, anxiety, hallucination or dementia, daily at nightfall.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
To expire on a previously established date, as a statutory provision.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sundown
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
To provide for the expiration of (a program or agency) by means of a sunset provision.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sundown
The end of the day, marked by diminishing light.
They finished their work just at sundown.
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Nov 28, 2023
Sunset
The moment each evening when the sun disappears below the western horizon.
At sunset
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
(figuratively) The final period of the life of a person or thing.
One's sunset years
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
(attributively) A set termination date.
The tax increase legislation included a sunset clause requiring renewal to prevent the tax increase from expiring.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
To phase out.
We’ll be sunsetting version 1.9 of the software shortly after releasing version 2.0 next quarter.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily disappearance of the sun
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Oct 19, 2023
Sunset
The period just before the night begins.
The city skyline looked magnificent at sunset.
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Nov 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does sunset always occur at the same time?
No, it varies daily and with geographical location.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can sundown refer to an entire evening?
It generally refers to the late evening period.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does sundown have cultural significance?
Yes, it's often used metaphorically in various cultures.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sundown a popular theme in literature?
Yes, it's often used to convey mood or time.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is the time of sunset important for timekeeping?
Yes, historically it was used to mark time.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sunset important for photographers?
Yes, it's crucial for capturing certain light conditions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can sundown imply the end of something?
Yes, it's often used metaphorically to imply an ending.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are sunset times important for religious practices?
Yes, in many religions, sunset times are significant.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sunset a precise astronomical term?
Yes, it has a specific scientific definition.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does the duration of sunset vary?
Yes, depending on the time of year and location.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there scientific studies on sunset?
Yes, particularly in fields like meteorology and astronomy.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can sundown be used in navigation?
It's less precise than sunset for navigational purposes.
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Nov 28, 2023
Do the colors during sundown differ from sunset?
They can be similar, but sundown may have softer tones.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does sundown vary with seasons?
Yes, its timing changes throughout the year.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sunset time calculated in weather forecasts?
Yes, it's often included in daily weather reports.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does sundown have a specific duration?
It's less defined compared to sunset.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can sundown affect outdoor activities?
Yes, it signals the approaching end of daylight hours.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sunset significant in filmmaking?
Yes, for creating specific visual effects and moods.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is sunset often depicted in art?
Yes, it's a common theme in paintings and photography.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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