Meaning & Definition of word "Darkness"

Darkness

/ˈdɑːrk.nəs/

noun:

  • 1. The absence of light; a state in which things cannot be seen.
    • Example: The room was filled with darkness after the power outage.
  • 2. The quality or state of being dark or devoid of light.
    • Example: The darkness of the night made it difficult to navigate through the forest.
  • 3. A state of ignorance or evil; moral depravity.
    • Example: He felt a sense of darkness when confronted with the corrupt practices around him.
  • 4. A lack of understanding or knowledge; obscurity.
    • Example: The darkness surrounding the complex theory was intimidating to the students.

Etymology

Old English 'deorc' meaning dark, with 'ness' denoting a state or condition.

Common Phrases and Expressions

into the darkness:

Engaging in an uncertain situation.

the dark side:

The less desirable or morally questionable aspect of something.

darkness before dawn:

A difficult or troublesome time prior to a positive change.

Related Words

dark:

Having little or no light.

shadow:

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

gloom:

Partial or total darkness; a state of melancholy or despondency.

Slang Meanings of darkness

Meaning: The unknown or uncertain situations in life.

Example Sentence: I'm stepping into the darkness here with this decision.

Meaning: Feeling down or depressed.

Example Sentence: He’s been in a darkness lately, not talking to anyone.