Dark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
dark
[dษหrk ]
Definitions
night
With little or no light.
Synonyms
dim, gloomy, murky, obscure, shadowy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dark |
General term for the absence of light, can be used both literally and metaphorically.
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| dim |
Used for referring to low light conditions or something that is not bright.
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| gloomy |
Describes a place or situation that is dark, depressing, or filled with sadness.
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| shadowy |
Used for describing an area filled with shadows or something that is mysterious and hard to define.
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| murky |
Typically used for water or an environment that is dark, dirty, and unclear. Can also describe unclear situations.
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| obscure |
Means something is not well known or difficult to see or understand.
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Examples of usage
- The room was completely dark.
- The sky was dark and cloudy.
- I couldn't see anything in the dark room.
color
Having a very low or no level of light.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dark |
General term to describe low light or something lacking brightness. Can refer to emotions, moods, or colors.
|
| black |
Specifically refers to the color black. Also used metaphorically to describe something as sinister or evil.
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| deep |
Often used to describe intense feelings, rich colors, or physical depth. Can metaphorically refer to complexity or profundity.
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| midnight |
Refers to the deepest part of the night, often describing time or colors resembling the darkness of midnight.
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| inky |
Used to describe something that is as dark as ink, often in a poetic or literary context.
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Examples of usage
- She wore a dark blue dress.
- The walls were painted in dark colors.
evil
With wicked intentions or showing a lack of moral principles.
Synonyms
diabolical, evil, malevolent, sinister, wicked.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dark |
Used for describing something with little to no light or something gloomy. Can be both literal and metaphorical.
|
| sinister |
Used to imply something that is threatening or suggests danger or harm, often subtly.
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| evil |
Used to refer to something or someone morally wrong, bad, or harmful. Often used in a very strong, negative sense.
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| wicked |
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.
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| malevolent |
Typically used for someone or something wishing harm to others, with a strong negative connotation.
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| diabolical |
Used to describe something extremely evil or wicked, sometimes in a cunning or ingenious way.
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Examples of usage
- He was drawn to the dark side of the force.
- The dark deeds of the villain shocked everyone.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, darkness is often linked with fear or the supernatural, such as ghosts and witches.
- Conversely, some traditions see darkness as a time for reflection and rest, especially in practices like meditation.
- Art throughout history has used dark colors to evoke mood; think of Van Goghโs 'Starry Night' with its dramatic night sky.
Science
- In physics, darkness is simply the absence of visible light, which is essential for our eyes to perceive colors.
- Astronomers study dark matter, which makes up about 27% of the universe and is invisible yet affects galaxiesโ movement.
- Dark environments affect our sleep patterns; natural darkness helps produce melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Psychology
- Many people experience a phenomenon called nyctophobia, a fear of the dark, which can stem from childhood experiences.
- Studies show that darkness can enhance certain emotions like sadness or introspection, influencing our thoughts.
- In contrast, some find comfort in dark spaces as they can provide a sense of safety and solitude.
Literature
- In literature, darkness often symbolizes evil or conflict, like in classic Gothic novels where shadows play a critical role.
- Characters may face their 'dark night of the soul' in stories, representing deep inner struggles and transformation.
- Well-known works, like Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' use darkness to highlight ambition and moral decay.
Origin of 'dark'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dark' comes from the Old English 'deorc,' which meant 'without light.'
- Related words in other Germanic languages, like 'dunkel' in German, also reference low light or shadows.
- Throughout history, 'dark' has been associated with mystery and the unknown in various cultures.
The word 'dark' originated from Old English 'deorc.' It has been used to describe absence of light or color since the 13th century. The concept of 'darkness' has been associated with fear, mystery, and evil in various cultures and literary works throughout history.