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Solstice vs Midsummer - What's the difference?

solstice | midsummer |

As nouns the difference between solstice and midsummer

is that solstice is one of the two points in the ecliptic at which the sun is furthest from the celestial equator. This corresponds to one of two days in the year when the day is either longest or shortest while midsummer is the period around the summer solstice; about 21st June in the northern hemisphere.

As an adjective midsummer is

happening in the middle of summer.

As a proper noun Midsummer is

a pagan holiday and Wiccan Sabbat.

solstice

Noun

(en noun)
  • One of the two points in the ecliptic at which the sun is furthest from the celestial equator. This corresponds to one of two days in the year when the day is either longest or shortest.
  • * 1924 , , Metaphysics . Translated by W. D. Ross. Nashotah, Wisconsin, USA: The Classical Library, 2001. Available at: . Book 1, Part 2.
  • For all men begin, as we said, by wondering that things are as they are, as they do about self?moving marionettes, or about the solstices or the incommensurability of the diagonal of a square with the side;

    Synonyms

    *

    Derived terms

    * summer solstice * winter solstice * solstitial

    midsummer

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The period around the summer solstice; about 21st June in the northern hemisphere.
  • The first day of summer
  • The middle of summer.
  • Midsummer Day, the English quarter day.
  • A pagan holiday or Wiccan Sabbat
  • Adjective

    (-)
  • Happening in the middle of summer.
  • Derived terms

    * Midsummer ale * midsummer chafer * midsummer daisy * Midsummer Day, Midsummer's Day * Midsummer Eve, midsummer eve, midsummer even * midsummer games * midsummer growth * midsummerish * midsummer madness * midsummer men, midsummer-men * midsummer moon * Midsummer Night * midsummer night's dream * midsummer sights * midsummer silver * midsummery