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Darken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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darken

[ˈdɑːrkən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

room lighting

To make a room or space less bright by reducing the amount of light.

Synonyms

dim, obscure, shade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
darken

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.
dim

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.
shade

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.
obscure

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.

Examples of usage

  • She darkened the room by closing the blinds.
  • The storm clouds darkened the sky.
Context #2 | Verb

mood

To become or make something become gloomy or depressed.

Synonyms

depress, gloom, sadden.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
darken

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
gloom

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
sadden

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
depress

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

Examples of usage

  • His mood darkened when he received the bad news.
  • The news darkened the atmosphere in the room.
Context #3 | Noun

color

A shade or color that is darker than the usual color.

Synonyms

deepened, dimmed, shaded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
darken

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.
shaded

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.
dimmed

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.
deepened

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.

Examples of usage

  • She chose a dress in a darkened shade of blue.
  • The darkened color of the sky signaled the approaching storm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'darken'

The word 'darken' originated from the Old English word 'deorcian', which means 'to become dark'. The concept of darkness has always been associated with mystery, fear, and the unknown. In literature, darkness is often used as a symbol of evil or negativity. Over time, 'darken' has evolved to represent the action of making something less bright or more gloomy. The word is commonly used in various contexts, from describing room lighting to mood changes.

See also: dark, darker, darkly, darkness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,265, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.