darkness
/'dɑ:knis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a swarthy complexion
- having a dark or somber color
- an unenlightened state
- he was in the dark concerning their intentions
- his lectures dispelled the darkness
- absence of moral or spiritual values
- the powers of darkness
- an unilluminated area
- he moved off into the darkness
- absence of light or illumination