Darken: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing the process of something becoming less light or the action of making something less light.

• As the sun set, the sky began to darken.
• He darkened the room by closing the curtains.

Use when you want to describe light that is reduced in intensity or something that is not very bright. Often used with lights and displays.

• Please dim the lights for the movie.
• Her smile dimmed as she heard the bad news.

Use when talking about a block from direct sunlight, often for comfort or protection.

• Let's sit in the shade under the tree.
• She wears sunglasses to shade her eyes from the sun.

Use when you refer to something that is not clear or is hidden from view, usually making it difficult to understand or see.

• The smoke obscured the view of the mountains.
• His true feelings are often obscured by his jokes.

Use when describing the process of an area or object's color becoming darker or less bright.

• The sky began to darken as the storm approached
• The room darkened after she pulled the curtains closed

Best used for describing a state of partial or total darkness, often with a feeling of sadness or depression.

• He walked through the gloom of the abandoned house
• The early morning gloom made it difficult to see clearly

Used when indicating something that causes a feeling of sadness. This word has a softer emotional impact compared to 'depress'.

• The news of her departure saddened all her friends
• It saddened him to see the park so empty

Appropriate for referring to a mental state of sadness or discouragement. This word carries a negative emotional tone.

• The continuous rain seemed to depress everyone
• Losing the match really depressed the whole team

Refers to making something more intense or profound in nature, such as feelings or emotions.

• His mood quickly darkened after hearing the bad news.
• The scandal has darkened the public's perception of the company.

Best used when referring to providing cover or protection from light, often for comfort or functionality.

• The large oak tree shaded the bench, providing a cool spot to sit.
• She shaded her eyes from the bright sun with her hand.

Usually used when describing a decrease in brightness or visibility. Can also refer to a reduction in enthusiasm or hope.

• The lights dimmed as the movie started.
• His hopes of winning the tournament dimmed after the first round.

Appropriate for situations where something becomes more profound or intensified, often in connection to emotional states, colors, or conditions.

• Her love for him deepened over the years.
• The mystery surrounding the incident only deepened as more details emerged.