Definition

1. Noun:
   • The absence of light; a state or place with little or no illumination: The primary meaning, referring to the physical condition when light is not present.
   • A dark color or shade, especially of the skin: A deep, non-light hue or complexion.
   • A state of ignorance, lack of knowledge, or spiritual/moral deficiency: A metaphorical state of being unenlightened, evil, or wicked.
   • Secrecy or obscurity: A state where things are hidden, unclear, or kept secret.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Absence of Light):
  • The room was plunged into complete darkness when the power failed.
  • She was afraid of the darkness in the forest at night.
• Noun (Moral/Spiritual Evil):
  • The novel explores the battle between light and darkness.
  • He was accused of deeds of darkness.
• Noun (Ignorance/Obscurity):
  • The theory was born from the darkness of superstition.
  • I was in darkness about their true plans until yesterday.

Advanced Usage

• "the darkness": Often used with the definite article to personify evil or malevolent forces.
  • He felt the presence of the darkness closing in on him.
• "from darkness into light": A common metaphorical phrase for moving from ignorance to knowledge or from evil to goodness.
  • Education can lead a person from darkness into light.

Variants and Related Words

• Dark (adj): Lacking light; of a deep color; gloomy or sinister.
  • It was a dark and stormy night.
• Darken (verb): To make or become dark or darker.
  • Clouds darkened the sky.
• Darkly (adv): In a dark, gloomy, or threatening manner.
  • He spoke darkly of future troubles.

Synonyms

• Gloom: Partial or total darkness; a state of depression or despondency.
• Obscurity: The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unclear.
• Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or information.
• Wickedness: The quality of being evil or morally wrong.

Related Phrases

• Powers of darkness: A phrase referring to evil supernatural forces or influences.
  • The hero fought against the powers of darkness.
• In the dark (about something): To be unaware or uninformed about something.
  • The employees were kept in the dark about the company's financial problems. (Note: This is the idiomatic phrase "in the dark," which incorporates the concept of darkness.)

Related Idioms

• The heart of darkness: Refers to a place or situation of extreme evil, corruption, or moral emptiness. (Popularized by Joseph Conrad's novel).
  • The documentary exposed the heart of darkness within the regime.
• Darkness visible: An oxymoron describing a profound, palpable gloom or despair.
  • The prisoner's cell was a place of darkness visible.

Noun

1. a swarthy complexion
2. having a dark or somber color
3. an unenlightened state
   • he was in the dark concerning their intentions
   • his lectures dispelled the darkness
4. absence of moral or spiritual values
   • the powers of darkness
5. an unilluminated area
   • he moved off into the darkness
6. absence of light or illumination