Dark: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for the absence of light, can be used both literally and metaphorically.

• The room is dark
• He has a dark sense of humor

Used for referring to low light conditions or something that is not bright.

• The lights in the hallway are dim
• I have a dim memory of that event

Describes a place or situation that is dark, depressing, or filled with sadness.

• The weather is so gloomy today
• He felt gloomy after hearing the bad news

Used for describing an area filled with shadows or something that is mysterious and hard to define.

• The alley looked shadowy and uninviting
• He is a shadowy figure in the story

Typically used for water or an environment that is dark, dirty, and unclear. Can also describe unclear situations.

• The water in the pond is murky
• The details of the contract are quite murky

Means something is not well known or difficult to see or understand.

• The origins of the painting are obscure
• The text was obscured by the fog

General term to describe low light or something lacking brightness. Can refer to emotions, moods, or colors.

• The room was dark because the lights were off.
• He has a dark sense of humor.

Specifically refers to the color black. Also used metaphorically to describe something as sinister or evil.

• She wore a black dress to the party.
• He was overcome with black thoughts.

Often used to describe intense feelings, rich colors, or physical depth. Can metaphorically refer to complexity or profundity.

• She has deep blue eyes.
• He is a deep thinker.

Refers to the deepest part of the night, often describing time or colors resembling the darkness of midnight.

• They met at midnight.
• She dyed her hair a midnight shade of black.

Used to describe something that is as dark as ink, often in a poetic or literary context.

• The inky night sky was filled with stars.
• She spilled ink, leaving an inky stain on the paper.

Used for describing something with little to no light or something gloomy. Can be both literal and metaphorical.

• The room was dark and cold.
• He has a dark sense of humor.

Used to imply something that is threatening or suggests danger or harm, often subtly.

• There was a sinister feel to the deserted city.
• He had a sinister smile that made everyone uneasy.

Used to refer to something or someone morally wrong, bad, or harmful. Often used in a very strong, negative sense.

• The dictator was known for his evil deeds.
• There was an evil aura around the haunted house.

Describes someone or something that is morally wrong and intentionally causing trouble or harm. Also used informally to indicate something impressive, though context will make this clear.

• The witch in the story was wicked.
• That was a wicked opportunity he missed.

Typically used for someone or something wishing harm to others, with a strong negative connotation.

• She cast a malevolent glance at her rival.
• The malevolent spirit haunted the old mansion.

Used to describe something extremely evil or wicked, sometimes in a cunning or ingenious way.

• The villain's plan was diabolical.
• He gave me a diabolical smile and walked away.