WordGarden.iodarkness
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɑːknəs/
US
- /ˈdɑrknəs/
Meanings
Noun
the absence or low level of light
sadness, gloom, or emotional heaviness
evil, wickedness, or moral corruption
More meaningsFewer meanings
lack of knowledge, clarity, or understanding
Beyond the definition
Darkness isn't just the absence of light; it can change how a place feels—mysterious, frightening, or calm. Imagine a forest at night—it feels quite different from a brightly lit meadow, doesn't it? Darkness can be literal, like the blackness of a moonless night, or used in a more symbolic way, representing ignorance, sadness, or evil. A detective might speak of "dark secrets," while a poet might describe "the darkness before dawn." Sometimes, being in the dark—taking time for quiet reflection—can lead to clarity and understanding.
Darkness, at its most basic, refers to the state of having little or no light. But it is far more than just a physical condition. Throughout history and across cultures, darkness has held significant symbolic weight, representing everything from the unknown and dangerous to rest and renewal.
Literally, we talk about the darkness of night, the darkness inside a cave, or the darkness caused by an eclipse. A phrase like "The ship disappeared into the darkness" describes a scene where visibility is lost to the naked eye. But darkness also frequently appears in metaphorical contexts. We might speak of a "dark mood" to describe sadness or depression, or "dark times" to refer to periods of hardship and suffering.
In literature and storytelling, darkness often serves as a backdrop for suspense, mystery, and even evil. Think of the shadowy villains lurking in the corners, or the secrets hidden within darkened rooms. Writers frequently use darkness to symbolize deception and chaos; for instance, in many of Shakespeare's tragedies, the most treacherous acts occur under the shroud of night, where the truth remains hidden from view.
However, darkness isn't always negative. It can also represent peace, tranquility, and the potential for growth. The darkness of space is vast and awe-inspiring, and many find solace in the quiet stillness of the night. As author Vera Nazarian once wrote, "Sometimes, darkness is just a lack of light."
So, whether it is a physical absence of illumination or a symbolic representation of complex emotions and ideas, darkness is a multifaceted concept that continues to fascinate and inspire us.
Examples
- 1
Everyday scene
We sat in the darkness and listened to the rain.
- 2
Camping
Darkness fell before we found the campsite.
- Phrasedarkness fell
night began
- 3
Sudden darkness
The explosion plunged the tunnel into darkness.
- Patternplunge + place into darkness
suddenly make it dark
- 4
Fear
Her fear of darkness got worse after the power cut.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Military movement
The troops crossed the border under cover of darkness.
- Phraseunder cover of darkness
while it is dark, so they cannot easily be seen
- 6
Grief
After his brother died, he went through a long period of darkness.
- 7
Film tone
The film balances its darkness with a lot of humor.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- darknessnoun