Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Darkened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ‘
Add to dictionary

darkened

[หˆdษ‘หrkษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past action

The term 'darkened' refers to the act of making something darker or less illuminated. This can be applied both literally, such as when the light in a room is turned off, or metaphorically, as in a mood or atmosphere. It denotes a change from a bright state to one that lacks light. The word is often used in creative literature to convey emotions or settings that are somber or serious.

Synonyms

clouded, dimmed, obscured, shaded.

Examples of usage

  • The room darkened as the sun set.
  • Her expression darkened at the news.
  • The sky darkened before the storm.
  • His mood darkened after hearing the bad news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word is often used in poetry and prose to evoke feelings of sadness or foreboding, creating a richer emotional landscape.
  • In gothic literature, darkening settings help set a mood of mystery or danger, enriching the narrative.
  • Famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe often utilized dark imagery to create a sense of unease in their works.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that darker environments can affect mood, often leading to feelings of melancholy or introspection.
  • The phenomenon of 'dark adaptation' describes how our eyes adjust in low light, linking our physical perception of darkness with psychological experiences.
  • Research shows that darkness can heighten anxiety for some individuals, relating to evolutionary instincts to be wary in the dark.

Art

  • Artists like Caravaggio famously used chiaroscuro, a technique that plays with darkness and light, to create dramatic contrasts in their paintings.
  • Film directors frequently employ darkened visuals to evoke suspense or highlight character emotions, manipulating audiences' responses.
  • Darkened backgrounds in visual art can enhance the vibrancy of lighter subjects, drawing the viewerโ€™s attention deeper into the composition.

Cultural Symbolism

  • In many cultures, darkness symbolizes mystery, the unknown, or danger, while light often represents safety and knowledge.
  • Traditionally, darker colors in fashion and design can convey elegance or sophistication, often seen in evening attire.
  • In spiritual contexts, darkened places might symbolize the need for personal reflection or a journey through one's inner thoughts.

Origin of 'darkened'

Main points about word origin

  • The root 'dark' comes from Old English 'deorc,' which means 'dark' or 'obscure'.
  • Adding '-ened' turns an adjective into a verb, indicating a process of becoming darker.
  • Related words like 'diminished' also have similar transformations where the base adjective shifts into a verb form.

The word 'darkened' is derived from the Old English word 'deorc', meaning 'dark' or 'not clear'. The verb form comes from the addition of the suffix '-en', which is used to form verbs indicating a change of state or process. 'Dark' has Germanic roots, and its usage has evolved over centuries, often retaining the connotation of the absence of light or brightness. In various literary contexts, 'darkened' has been used to express not only a physical dimming of light but also a metaphorical representation of emotions and atmospheres that are grave or ominous. The evolution of language saw 'darken' being solidified in usage by the late Middle Ages. Today, it is commonly used in both everyday language and literary works to paint vivid imagery.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,210, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.