Shadowy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shadowy

[ˈʃædəʊi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

mysterious

Characterized by shadows or darkness; lacking brightness. Obscure or enigmatic; difficult to understand or interpret.

Synonyms

ambiguous, dark, murky, mysterious, obscure.

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Word Description / Examples
shadowy

used to describe something that is dimly lit or unclear, often creating a sense of intrigue or unease.

  • The alley was shadowy and full of hidden corners.
  • A shadowy figure emerged from the fog.
dark

describes the absence of light, but can also refer to something bleak, grim, or evil in a broader sense.

  • The room was dark and we couldn't see anything.
  • He has a dark personality, always thinking the worst of people.
obscure

refers to something that is not well-known or is difficult to understand, can also imply something hidden or not clear.

  • The old manuscript contained some obscure references to ancient rituals.
  • The path to the village was obscure and rarely traveled.
mysterious

applies to something that is difficult to understand or explain, often invoking curiosity or wonder.

  • There was a mysterious glow coming from the forest.
  • She had a mysterious past that no one knew about.
murky

used to describe something that is cloudy, unclear, or difficult to see through, often referring to water or situations that are not straightforward.

  • The water in the pond was murky and full of algae.
  • The details of the contract were murky and confusing.
ambiguous

appropriate when something has more than one interpretation or is uncertain, often used in discussions about language, situations, or intentions.

  • Her answer was ambiguous, leaving us all confused about her true intentions.
  • The ending of the movie was deliberately ambiguous.

Examples of usage

  • The shadowy figure disappeared into the night.
  • The shadowy corners of the room made it feel eerie.
  • The shadowy motives behind his actions were unclear.
  • Her past was shrouded in shadowy secrecy.
  • The shadowy forest was filled with mysterious sounds.

Translations

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Origin of 'shadowy'

The word 'shadowy' originated from the Old English word 'sceadwe', which meant 'shade' or 'shadow'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something dark, mysterious, or unclear. The concept of shadows has long been associated with mystery and intrigue, leading to the use of 'shadowy' to describe things that are enigmatic or hard to see clearly.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,595, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.