Definition

A time of year when the sun is farthest from the equator, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year.

Example

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, celebrated in many cultures.

Conversation

Did you know the solstice is coming up next week?

Yeah, I always look forward to the longest day of the year!

Me too! I love how much sunlight we get during the summer solstice.

Same here! It’s perfect for barbecues and outdoor fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Solstice** → It is formed from "sol" (from Latin *sol*, meaning sun) and "sistere" (from Latin, meaning to stand). The word "solstice" refers to the time when the sun stands still in the sky, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

Memory Tip

Think of the sun ('sol') standing still ('sistere') in the sky during the solstice, which helps you remember that this word refers to the times of year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point.

Visually Confused Words