matutinal
|ma-tu-ti-nal|
/ˌmætʃəˈtɪnəl/
of the morning
Etymology
'matutinal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'matutinus', where 'matutin-' meant 'of the morning'.
'matutinal' changed from the Latin word 'matutinus' (and Medieval Latin 'matutinalis') and eventually entered English as the adjective 'matutinal'.
Initially, it meant 'of the morning' in Latin, and over time it retained that core sense while extending to mean 'early-rising' or 'active in the morning' in English usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or occurring in the morning; of or pertaining to the early part of the day.
The garden was alive with matutinal light as the sun rose.
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Adjective 2
active in or habitually occurring in the morning (often used of animals or people).
Many matutinal birds begin singing before dawn.
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Adjective 3
pertaining to dawn; early, especially in literary or poetic contexts.
The poet described the matutinal hush that fell over the valley.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 15:26