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Shadowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shadowed

[ˈʃædoʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or atmosphere

Having shade or darkness, where light is blocked or partially blocked.

Synonyms

dimmed, obscured, shaded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shadowed

Used when something is partially covered or darkened by a shadow. Often used to describe areas with varying light due to obstruction.

  • The forest pathway was shadowed by tall trees.
  • Her face was shadowed by the brim of her hat.
shaded

Used when something is protected from direct sunlight or when an area has a cover that blocks the sun. Often used to describe areas that are cooler or more comfortable because they are not in direct sunlight.

  • We sat in a shaded area of the park to avoid the heat.
  • The plant thrived in a shaded corner of the garden.
dimmed

Used when light is reduced in intensity, often to create a softer or more subdued atmosphere. Can also describe something that has lost its brightness or clarity.

  • The lights were dimmed to create a romantic ambiance.
  • His enthusiasm dimmed after hearing the bad news.
obscured

Used when something is hidden or difficult to see, often because it is covered or blocked in some way. Has a connotation of mystery or difficulty in perception.

  • The view was obscured by fog.
  • Her true intentions were obscured by her polite manner.

Examples of usage

  • The room was shadowed by the tall trees outside.
  • Her face was shadowed by the brim of her hat.
Context #2 | Verb

following closely

To follow and observe (someone) closely and typically secretly.

Synonyms

pursue, stalk, trail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shadowed

When someone is closely following or observing another person in a secretive manner. This can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.

  • He felt like he was being shadowed by someone for days
  • The private investigator shadowed the suspect to gather more information
trail

Following someone or something, usually at a distance. It can be used in both neutral and investigative contexts.

  • The hikers trailed along the path into the forest
  • The detective trailed the suspect for several miles
stalk

Following someone secretly and closely, often with harmful intentions. This term has a strong negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for stalking his ex-girlfriend
  • She realized she was being stalked and reported it to the police
pursue

When someone is actively following someone or something, often with determination or to achieve a goal. This can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • She decided to pursue a career in medicine
  • The police officer pursued the suspect through the alley

Examples of usage

  • He felt like he was being shadowed wherever he went.
  • The detective shadowed the suspect for days.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience 'shadowed' moments, representing their fears or secrets.
  • Many poets use shadowed imagery to depict melancholy or loss, creating a deep emotional impact.
  • Classic works, such as Edgar Allan Poe's poetry, frequently explore themes of darkness and shadows, enhancing the mood.

Art

  • Artists use shadowed areas to create depth and dimension in their paintings, making them more lifelike.
  • The technique of chiaroscuro, which means light and shadow, was famously used by artists like Caravaggio to enhance drama.
  • Photography plays with shadowed effects to create mood and highlight subjects, showcasing the beauty of contrast.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'shadowed' relates to Carl Jung's idea of the 'shadow self', representing the hidden or less recognized parts of our personality.
  • In psychology, those who have experienced trauma may feel 'shadowed', indicating ongoing impacts of their past.
  • Feeling shadowed can also symbolize a lack of self-confidence or feeling overshadowed by others in social situations.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies use shadowed scenes to heighten suspense, making viewers feel uncertain or anxious about what is hidden.
  • Songs often talk about feeling shadowed, representing personal struggles or emotional battles.
  • Famous characters, like Batman, embrace the idea of being shadowed to symbolize mystery and a complex persona.

Origin of 'shadowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shadowed' comes from the Old English 'sceadu', which means shade or darkness.
  • In Middle English, 'shadowen' was used to mean casting a shadow, showing the word's long history.
  • The root of the word shares connections with other languages, like 'schatten' in German, which also means shadow.

The word 'shadowed' originates from the Old English word 'sceaduwe', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'skadwaz'. The concept of shadows has long been associated with mystery and darkness, often symbolizing the unknown or hidden aspects of life. In literature and art, shadows are frequently used to create depth and contrast, adding a sense of intrigue to the narrative or image.

See also: foreshadow, foreshadowing, overshadow, shadowily, shadowing, shadowy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,035, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.