Both “fall” and “autumn” are used to refer to the season that comes after summer and before winter. While “autumn” is more commonly used in British English and other varieties of English around the world, “fall” is the preferred term in American English.
The exact origin of the term “fall” to refer to the season is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been used as early as the 16th century. One theory is that the word comes from the phrase “fall of the leaf,” which was used to describe the dropping of leaves from trees during the season.
Another theory suggests that the word “fall” was used because of the way the season marks the gradual decline of daylight hours and temperatures, with things “falling” into a state of dormancy and darkness. This explanation is supported by the fact that the word “fall” was also used in a similar context to refer to the time when the sun falls below the horizon, which is now known as sunset.
Regardless of its origins, “fall” is now the standard term for the season in American English, and it is widely used in literature, popular culture, and everyday conversation.
Last Updated on 15 hours ago by pinc