Autumn

Definition

Autumn is a noun that refers to the season of the year between summer and winter, characterized by the cooling of temperatures, the shedding of leaves from deciduous trees, and the harvest period. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn typically spans from late September to late December, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs from late March to late June.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔtəm/
• Respelling: AW-tuhm

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtəm/
• Respelling: AW-tuhm

The pronunciation of "autumn" is nearly identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "autumn" originates from the Latin "autumnus," which referred to the season of harvest. It was later adopted into Old French as "autompne" and then into Middle English. "Autumn" became more commonly used in British English, while "fall," another term for the season, is often used in American English.

Derivatives

• Autumnal (adjective)
• Autumnally (adverb)
• Autumn leaf (noun)
• Autumn equinox (noun)
• Autumn foliage (noun)

Synonyms

• Fall (especially in American English)
• Harvest season
• Late year

Antonyms

• Spring
• Summer
• Winter

Usage

The term "autumn" is commonly used to refer to the season following summer, often associated with cooler weather, falling leaves, and harvest festivals. For example, "The colors of autumn are vivid and warm, with hues of red, yellow, and orange."

Related Terms

• Equinox: The moment when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring in both autumn and spring.
• Harvest: The process or period of gathering mature crops from the fields, often associated with autumn.
• Foliage: The leaves of plants or trees, particularly when they change color in autumn.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The season between summer and winter, characterized by cooler weather and falling leaves: Refers to the time of year when temperatures drop, and plant life enters a period of dormancy.
  • Example: "Autumn is a time of transition as nature prepares for winter."
• A period of maturity or decline, often metaphorically: Sometimes used to signify the later stages of life or development.
  • Example: "In the autumn of his life, he found peace in simple pleasures."