WordGarden.iodark
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɑːk/
US
- /ˈdɑrk/
Meanings
Adjective
having little or no light
having a deep color rather than a pale one
sad, gloomy, or threatening in mood
More meaningsFewer meanings
sinister or morally troubling
hidden, secret, or not publicly known
Noun
the absence of light
Beyond the definition
"Dark" isn't just about the absence of light; it's a feeling, an atmosphere, and even a secret. Think of a dark forest—not simply unlit, but full of hidden things and perhaps a little bit scary! We use "dark" to describe colors (like a dark blue), moods (feeling dark after bad news), or specific times of day (the dark of night). Dark humor is a style that finds something funny in grim or tragic situations. Sometimes "dark" can even mean wicked or evil, like a spell of dark magic. Consider this: a detective might investigate a dark alleyway, searching for clues hidden in the shadows, or a poet might write about the darkness within the human heart. The word is versatile and often carries weight beyond just what you can see—or what you can't see!
The word "dark" primarily refers to the absence of light, but its meaning extends far beyond simple illumination. It's a fundamental concept that touches on perception, emotion, and even morality. At its most basic, "dark" describes colors lacking brightness—such as dark green, dark chocolate, or the deep inkiness of a night sky. However, the word quickly moves into more abstract territory. We describe moods as "dark" when they are gloomy, sad, or pessimistic; for example, one might fall into a "dark depression" after a loss. Similarly, a "dark cloud" often represents a metaphorical feeling of foreboding or impending trouble.
"Dark" also suggests secrecy or mystery. Think of "dark secrets" or a "dark past"—it implies something hidden, perhaps even sinister. This association is a staple of fictional worlds, where "dark magic," "dark forces," and "dark lords" serve as common tropes. Historically, "dark" has been linked to evil or wickedness, reflecting the "dark side" of human nature. While this usage isn't always literal, it reflects a long-standing cultural association between darkness and the unknown.
Another common use is about knowledge: if you're "in the dark," you don't know what's really happening, and if someone "keeps you in the dark," they don't tell you important information.
Interestingly, "dark" also describes physical features like skin tone or hair color, though it is important to use these descriptions with sensitivity. Ultimately, whether you're describing the night sky, a somber mood, a hidden secret, or a villainous character, "dark" is a powerful word that evokes a sense of mystery, shadow, and often, something more profound.
Examples
- 1
Time of day
It gets dark early in winter.
- 2
Clothing color
She was wearing a dark green sweater.
- 3
Unlit place
We walked down a dark hallway without speaking.
- 4
Mood
After the meeting, everyone was in a dark mood.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Serious description
The documentary paints a dark picture of life in the prison.
- 6
Story tone
His latest novel is much darker than his earlier work.
- 7
Humor style
She has a dark sense of humor.
- Phrasea dark sense of humor
finding serious or painful topics funny
- 8
Not knowing
I was completely in the dark about their decision.
- Patternin the dark about + information
not knowing about it
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- darknounadjective
Forms
- darkercomparativeadjectivenoun
- darkestsuperlativeadjectivenoun