Murky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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murky

[ˈmɜːrki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

Dark and gloomy, especially due to thick mist or haze.

Synonyms

cloudy, hazy, misty, overcast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
murky	Best used to describe something that's dark, dirty, or not clear, like water or an environment. Often has a negative connotation. The pond was so murky that we couldn't see the fish. The details of the plan remain murky.
cloudy	Describes something covered by or resembling clouds, often talking about the sky or weather, but can also mean unclear or confused. Today is a cloudy day; we might get some rain. Her explanation was cloudy and hard to follow.
misty	Describes something covered or filled with mist, giving it a soft, wet, and blurry appearance. Common in describing weather. The morning was misty, with dew on the grass. We drove through the misty countryside.
hazy	Used for situations where visibility is reduced due to light mist, smoke, or particles in the air. Can also imply something is vague or not clear in terms of understanding. The mountains looked hazy in the distance. I have a hazy memory of my early childhood.
overcast	Primarily used to describe a sky that's completely covered with clouds, indicating a dull or gloomy weather. The sky was overcast, and it looked like it might rain. It was an overcast afternoon, perfect for reading indoors.

Examples of usage

The murky sky threatened rain.
The murky fog made it difficult to see ahead.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

water

Dark and dirty, difficult to see through.

Synonyms

cloudy, muddy, opaque, turbid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
murky	Best used to describe situations or objects that are dark, unclear, or difficult to see through, often giving a sense of mystery or unease. The water in the pond was murky, making it hard to see any fish. The details of the company's finances remained murky and suspicious.
muddy	Used to describe something covered with or full of mud. It can also describe unclear or confusing situations. Often has a negative connotation. After the heavy rain, the path became muddy and difficult to walk on. His arguments were muddy, with no clear points or evidence.
turbid	Generally used to describe liquids that are cloudy and filled with suspended particles, leading to a state of cloudiness or impurity. Often has a technical or scientific tone. The river water became turbid after the storm due to the sediment being stirred up. The laboratory found the sample to be turbid, indicating contamination.
opaque	Describes something that is not transparent or translucent; it does not allow light to pass through. Often used in both literal and abstract senses. The bathroom windows are made of opaque glass for privacy. The legal text was so opaque that no one could easily understand it.
cloudy	Typically used to describe something that is filled with or covered by clouds, not transparent or clear. Often used in a neutral or slightly negative sense. The sky was cloudy, suggesting it might rain later. After waking from the anesthesia, her mind felt cloudy.

Examples of usage

The murky water of the pond was not inviting for swimming.
The diver hesitated before entering the murky depths of the lake.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

figurative

Unclear or confused.

Synonyms

ambiguous, confusing, obscure, uncertain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
murky	Describes something that is dark and difficult to see through or understand, often with a negative connotation. The water was so murky that we couldn't see the bottom. His motives for doing this remain murky.
ambiguous	Used when something can be understood in more than one way and the meaning is unclear. The instructions were ambiguous and caused a lot of confusion. Her answer was ambiguous and left us all wondering what she meant.
confusing	Describes something that causes someone to be unable to think clearly or understand. The new software update is very confusing. His explanation of the rules was rather confusing.
obscure	Refers to something that is not well known or hard to understand, often used when information is hidden or not clear. The origins of this tradition are obscure. The text was written in an obscure language that few people can read.
uncertain	Used when something is not known, definite, or fixed, indicating a lack of assurance or predictability. The future of the company is uncertain. She felt uncertain about the decision.

Examples of usage

The situation became even more murky after conflicting reports emerged.
His motives for the decision remained murky.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

Murky water can indicate pollution or excessive algae growth, which affects aquatic life due to decreased oxygen levels.
In ecological studies, clarity of water is crucial for healthy ecosystems, wherein murkiness can signal problems.
Techniques like turbidity testing are used by scientists to measure how murky water is, impacting conservation efforts.

Psychology

The term is often used metaphorically to describe unclear or confusing feelings, suggesting mental ‘cloudiness’.
In decision-making, murky situations can lead to cognitive overload, where too many unclear options make choices harder.
Emotions might feel murky when someone is unsure about their feelings, reflecting inner conflict or indecision.

Literature

Murky imagery appears frequently in Gothic literature, creating a sense of mystery or foreboding settings.
Writers often describe murky waters as a way to symbolize danger or the unknown, enhancing suspense in narratives.
The word can describe characters as well, suggesting depth or hidden motives, as seen in complex literary figures.

Pop Culture

In films and books, murky scenes are used to build tension, often leading to surprising twists or revelations.
The phrase 'murky waters' is sometimes used in news and media to discuss unclear or scandalous situations, hinting at deceptive practices.
Rich visual portrayals of murky settings are common in horror genres, amplifying fear of the unknown.

Origin of 'murky'

Main points about word origin

The word 'murky' comes from Middle English 'murke,' meaning dark or dim.
It has roots in the Old Norse word 'mörkr,' also meaning dark, showing a long history tied to visibility and light.
The transformation of spelling over centuries reflects changes in languages influenced by the Vikings and French.

The word 'murky' originated from Middle English 'mirky', meaning dark or gloomy. It is related to the Old Norse word 'myrkr' and the Middle Low German word 'murk'. Over time, 'murky' has evolved to describe not only physical darkness but also metaphorical obscurity or confusion.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,774, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18771 romanticism
18772 calming
18773 congregate
18774 murky
18775 hypocritical
18776 vivacity
18777 couplet
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