Shady: meaning, definitions and examples

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shady

[ ˈʃeɪ.di ]

Adjective

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a dark or gloomy manner

Having or giving shade.

Synonyms

dim, gloomy, shadowy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shady	Used to describe an area with shadows that provides relief from the sun, often used positively when referring to a comfortable, cool spot. However, it can also describe a person or situation that seems dishonest or suspicious, which is a negative connotation. Let's sit under that shady tree. He got involved in some shady business deals.
shadowy	Describes an area that is partially covered in shadows, often creating a mysterious or indistinct atmosphere. Can also suggest something or someone that is not very clear or is hidden from view, sometimes implying secrecy or ambiguity. The figures in the shadowy alley moved quickly. The details of the plan remain shadowy.
dim	Often used to describe lighting that is not very bright, suggesting a soft, subdued light. It can also refer to a person’s ability, indicating a lack of intelligence, which is negative. The room was dimly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere. I'm afraid he's a bit dim when it comes to understanding math.
gloomy	Typically used to describe an environment that feels dark and depressing, or a mood that is melancholic or sad. The term almost always carries a negative connotation. It was a gloomy, rainy day. She felt gloomy after hearing the bad news.

Examples of usage

The garden was cool and shady under the trees.
She sat down in the cool, shady garden.
He found a shady spot under a tree to relax.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

of doubtful honesty or legality

Dishonest or disreputable, especially in a devious way.

Synonyms

dubious, questionable, suspicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shady	Often describes a person, deal, or place that seems dishonest or unsafe. It can also refer to an area protected from the sun by shadow. That salesman seems shady, I wouldn't trust him. We found a shady spot under the tree to have a picnic.
dubious	Implies doubt or suspicion about something or someone. It can refer to uncertain truth or a questionable quality. Her story about missing the deadline sounded dubious. The company's claims about the product's benefits are dubious at best.
questionable	Used to highlight something that is open to doubt or suspicion, particularly when the honesty or lawfulness is uncertain. The legality of their actions is highly questionable. He made some questionable choices during the project.
suspicious	Describes a feeling of distrust or belief that something is wrong or someone is guilty of something. It has a distinctly negative tone. The police are suspicious of his alibi. She gave him a suspicious look when he entered the room.

Examples of usage

He seemed like a shady character with a suspicious demeanor.
I wouldn't trust that shady salesman.
The company has a history of shady business practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "shady" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sombrio

🇮🇳 छायादार

🇩🇪 schattig

🇮🇩 teduh

🇺🇦 затінений

🇵🇱 zacieniony

🇯🇵 日陰の

🇫🇷 ombragé

🇪🇸 sombrío

🇹🇷 gölgeli

🇰🇷 그늘진

🇸🇦 مظلل

🇨🇿 stinný

🇸🇰 tienistý

🇨🇳 遮荫的

🇸🇮 senčen

🇮🇸 skýlaður

🇰🇿 көлеңкелі

🇬🇪 ჩრდილოვანი

🇦🇿 kölgəli

🇲🇽 sombrío

Etymology

The word 'shady' originated from the Middle English word 'shadwe', which means 'partial darkness'. Over time, it evolved to describe places that are dark or gloomy due to the shade of something. In the 19th century, 'shady' also took on a figurative meaning to describe something or someone of questionable honesty or legality.

See also: shade, shaded, shades, shading, shadow.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,560, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13557 liar
13558 systolic
13559 scraped
13560 shady
13561 stoppage
13562 incandescent
13563 deviate
...