Shadow: meaning, definitions and examples

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shadow

[ˈʃæd.oʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in darkness

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Synonyms

shade, silhouette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shadow	Used to describe a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between light and a surface. Can also be metaphorical, implying something ominous or sinister. The tree cast a long shadow on the ground. He lived in the shadow of his older brother's accomplishments.
shade	Refers to a place or area where direct sunlight is blocked, providing cooler and often more comfortable conditions. Generally has a positive connotation. We sat in the shade of the old oak tree to escape the heat. The park has plenty of shady spots to relax.
silhouette	Used to describe the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light. Often employed in artistic contexts. She could see the silhouette of the mountains against the sunset. The artist sketched her silhouette in just a few minutes.

Word

Description / Examples

shadow

Used to describe a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between light and a surface. Can also be metaphorical, implying something ominous or sinister.

The tree cast a long shadow on the ground.
He lived in the shadow of his older brother's accomplishments.

shade

Refers to a place or area where direct sunlight is blocked, providing cooler and often more comfortable conditions. Generally has a positive connotation.

We sat in the shade of the old oak tree to escape the heat.
The park has plenty of shady spots to relax.

silhouette

Used to describe the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light. Often employed in artistic contexts.

She could see the silhouette of the mountains against the sunset.
The artist sketched her silhouette in just a few minutes.

Examples of usage

His shadow stretched across the lawn as the sun began to set.
The shadow of the tree provided some relief from the scorching heat.
She saw a shadow moving in the corner of her eye.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to follow secretly

To follow and observe someone closely and secretly.

Synonyms

pursue, trail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shadow	This word is often used when someone or something is followed closely, imitating movements or actions, often unnoticed. It can sometimes suggest sneaky or secretive behavior. He felt like someone was shadowing him as he walked down the street. The detective was skilled at shadowing suspects without being detected.
trail	This word is often used to describe following someone or something at a distance, usually leaving signs or marks behind. It can also refer to the actual path or track left behind. It generally has a neutral connotation. The hiker trailed the path through the forest. The detective trailed the suspect to the old warehouse.
pursue	This word is used when someone is chasing or trying to achieve something, often with determination and persistence. It can be used in both physical chasing and metaphorical contexts such as goals or dreams. She decided to pursue a career in medicine. The police pursued the car through the city streets.

Word

Description / Examples

shadow

This word is often used when someone or something is followed closely, imitating movements or actions, often unnoticed. It can sometimes suggest sneaky or secretive behavior.

He felt like someone was shadowing him as he walked down the street.
The detective was skilled at shadowing suspects without being detected.

trail

This word is often used to describe following someone or something at a distance, usually leaving signs or marks behind. It can also refer to the actual path or track left behind. It generally has a neutral connotation.

The hiker trailed the path through the forest.
The detective trailed the suspect to the old warehouse.

pursue

This word is used when someone is chasing or trying to achieve something, often with determination and persistence. It can be used in both physical chasing and metaphorical contexts such as goals or dreams.

She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
The police pursued the car through the city streets.

Examples of usage

He felt like someone was shadowing him wherever he went.
The detective shadowed the suspect for days.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'shadow' comes from the Old English word 'sceadu', which means 'shade, darkness'.
Its use can be traced back to ancient times, which reflects the importance of shadows in early human environments and mythologies.

Art and Literature

Artists often use shadows to create depth in paintings, making objects look more three-dimensional.
In literature, shadows can symbolize mystery or danger, appearing frequently in suspenseful stories.

Science

Shadows change size and shape depending on the light source and the angle of the object blocking the light.
The study of shadows is important in understanding the behavior of light and its effects on the environment.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, shadows are seen as protective spirits or representations of a person's soul.
Festivals like the 'Festival of Lights' highlight various interpretations of how light and shadow play roles in celebrations.

Psychology

Shadows can evoke feelings of fear or anxiety in certain contexts, often representing the unknown.
Some psychological studies suggest that the presence of shadows in art may affect human emotions, linking shadows to feelings of melancholy or introspection.

Translations

Translations of the word "shadow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sombra

🇮🇳 छाया

🇩🇪 Schatten

🇮🇩 bayangan

🇺🇦 тінь

🇵🇱 cień

🇯🇵 影

🇫🇷 ombre

🇪🇸 sombra

🇹🇷 gölge

🇰🇷 그림자

🇸🇦 ظل

🇨🇿 stín

🇸🇰 tieň

🇨🇳 影子

🇸🇮 senca

🇮🇸 skuggi

🇰🇿 көлеңке

🇬🇪 ჩრდილი

🇦🇿 kölgə

🇲🇽 sombra

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,722, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3719 beneficial
3720 visitors
3721 reasoning
3722 shadow
3723 lime
3724 technological
3725 privileges
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