evening
UK[ˈiːvnɪŋ]US[ˈiːvnɪŋ]
n
The part of the day between the end of the afternoon and night.
n
A social or cultural event taking place in the evening.
Etymology
The word 'evening' originates from the Old English 'æfnung', which is derived from the verb 'æfnian', meaning 'to grow towards evening'. This verb itself is related to 'æfen', the Old English word for 'evening'. The core concept is tied to the notion of the day 'evening out' or balancing, as the light fades. Over time, the form simplified from 'æfnung' to Middle English 'evening', solidifying its reference to the latter part of the daylight hours before night.
Analysis
The word 'evening' is a simplex form derived from Old English 'æfnung', a noun formed from the verb 'æfnian' meaning 'to become evening'.
Examples
We went for a walk in the cool of the evening.
The school is holding a musical evening next week.
She usually reads for an hour or two in the evening.