gloaming
UK[ˈɡləʊmɪŋ]US[ˈɡloʊmɪŋ]
n
the time of day immediately following sunset; twilight, dusk.
Etymology
the word 'gloaming' has a direct and poetic lineage from old english 'glōmung', a noun derived from the verb 'glōwan', meaning 'to glow'. this verb itself traces back to the proto-germanic root 'glō-', meaning 'to glow, shine'. the semantic evolution is beautifully logical: 'gloaming' refers to the time of soft, fading light after sunset, a direct reference to the lingering 'glow' in the sky. while related to modern 'gloom', which shares the same root but took on a darker connotation, 'gloaming' has preserved its specific and evocative connection to the gentle light of evening.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a single old english root. it does not contain separable modern english morphemes.
Examples
they went for a walk in the quiet gloaming.
the first stars appeared in the deepening gloaming.
the landscape was bathed in the soft, blue light of the gloaming.