noite

Noite is a Portuguese noun meaning the period of darkness that follows sunset and precedes sunrise. In everyday use, it refers to the hours after sunset and is contrasted with dia, the day. The word is widely used in expressions such as à noite, durante a noite, and boa noite, and it can carry both literal and figurative meanings, as in "uma noite longa" or "uma noite de celebração."

Etymology and related forms: Noite derives from Latin noct-, nox, noctis, passing into Old Portuguese and then modern Portuguese. It is cognate with Spanish noche and French nuit, all tracing back to the Latin root for night. The term has parallels in many Romance languages, reflecting a common historical development of the nocturnal concept.

Temporal scope: The exact duration of noite depends on latitude and season. In practice, it is the interval after sunset until sunrise the next day. In astronomical terms, night proper is defined as the period when the Sun is more than 18 degrees below the horizon. Between sunset and night, there are phases of civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight, when light diminishes but the Sun is not yet well below the horizon.

Cultural usage: Noite figures prominently in literature, music, and daily life, often conveying atmosphere or mood, such as a tranquil night or a festive evening. It also appears in idioms and place names, and is integral to rituals, schedules, and safety considerations in Portuguese-speaking communities.