sunlight
Plants need sunlight to grow.
Plants require direct light from the sun for photosynthesis.
Natural light produced by the sun.
The room was filled with warm sunlight in the afternoon.
The afternoon sun shone brightly into the room.
Sunlight helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle.
Exposure to sunlight affects our circadian rhythm.
Often used in scientific, biological, or environmental contexts to describe electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
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Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'sunshine'
'Sunlight' refers to the light itself, while 'sunshine' often implies a pleasant or warming quality of that light. For example, 'The garden thrives in sunlight' is neutral, but 'The sunshine felt wonderful' emphasizes the pleasant experience.
Gold Rule
Avoid redundancy
Use 'sunlight' rather than 'sun's light' unless emphasizing possession in a poetic or technical context.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'sunne' (sun) + 'light' (brightness), first recorded in the 14th century. The compound form reflects the combination of the two elements into a single concept.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in everyday language to describe natural light during the day. In technical contexts, 'sunlight' may refer specifically to the visible spectrum of solar radiation.