Duskness

/ˈdʌsknəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being dusk; the characteristic darkness and dim light of twilight; an alternative form to 'duskiness.'

Etymology

From 'dusk' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness' (directly, without the intermediate '-y' of 'duskiness'). Both 'duskness' and 'duskiness' existed as variant forms.

Kelly Says

The existence of both 'duskness' and 'duskiness' shows the flexibility of English noun formation—different speakers and writers chose different paths, and only one form eventually became standard.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.