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Darkly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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darkly

[ˈdɑːrkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in writing or art

In a dark, gloomy, or frightening manner.

Synonyms

gloomily, murkily, sinisterly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
darkly

This word is used when describing something that is literally or metaphorically covered in darkness or has a somber tone.

  • She looked at him darkly, unsure if she could trust him
gloomily

Use this word when describing an atmosphere or mood that is dreary, depressed, or full of despair.

  • He walked gloomily through the empty streets after hearing the bad news
sinisterly

This word is used when describing an action or event that appears evil, harmful, or causing fear. It has a distinctly negative connotation.

  • The villain smiled sinisterly as the hero walked into the trap
murkily

Best used to describe something that is unclear or difficult to see through, often due to literal or metaphorical 'murkiness' or obscurity.

  • The river flowed murkily, filled with debris after the storm

Examples of usage

  • The movie was shot darkly to create a sense of suspense.
  • The author described the forest darkly, setting a mysterious tone for the story.
Context #2 | Adverb

with negative connotations

In a way that is not fully understood or with hidden intentions.

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her darkly, making her feel uneasy.
  • The politician spoke darkly about his opponents, hinting at scandal.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use the term 'darkly' to set a mood of suspense or foreboding in their stories.
  • In some poetry, the darkness described can symbolize feelings of despair or introspection.
  • Famous literary works often create a contrast between light and dark to highlight characters' struggles.

Psychology

  • Dark thoughts or feelings can often be connected to deeper emotional states such as sadness or fear.
  • The term 'darkly' in psychological studies may refer to viewing life through a lens of pessimism rather than optimism.
  • Some researchers explore the benefits of confronting one's darker feelings to achieve emotional balance.

Pop Culture

  • Films and shows often use 'darkly' to describe characters or plots that have a macabre or twisted element.
  • The phrase 'dark humor' commonly employs this adverb to illustrate comedy that tackles serious subjects lightly.
  • Music genres like gothic rock often evoke a 'darkly' aesthetic, emphasizing somber themes and imagery.

Art

  • Artists use darker tones in their paintings to create dramatic effects or convey deep emotions.
  • In visual arts, the presence of shadows often evokes a sense of mystery or complexity, aligning with the 'darkly' concept.
  • Many famous artworks leverage the contrast of light and dark to generate tension or evoke emotional responses.

Origin of 'darkly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dark' comes from Old English 'deorc,' which referred to a lack of light or brightness.
  • Adding '-ly' to 'dark' turns it into an adverb, meaning it describes how something is done.
  • The concept of darkness has been used in many languages to symbolize mystery or evil throughout history.

The word 'darkly' originated from the Middle English 'derkli', derived from the Old English 'deorc' meaning dark. Over time, it evolved to its current form in Modern English. The adverb 'darkly' has been used in literature and art to convey various shades of darkness, mystery, and negativity.

See also: dark, darken, darker, darkness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,649, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.