Main Entry:

¹dark

Pronunciation:

\ˈdärk\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light <a dark room> b: transmitting only a portion of light <dark glasses>2 a: wholly or partially black <dark clothing> bof a color : of low or very low lightness c: being less light in color than other substances of the same kind <dark rum>3 a: arising from or showing evil traits or desires : evil <the dark powers that lead to war> b: dismal, gloomy <had a dark view of the future> c: lacking knowledge or culture : unenlightened <a dark period in history> d: relating to grim or depressing circumstances <dark humor>4 a: not clear to the understanding b: not known or explored because of remoteness <the darkest reaches of the continent>5: not fair in complexion : swarthy6: secret <kept his plans dark>7: possessing depth and richness <a dark voice>8: closed to the public <the theater is dark in the summer>

synonyms see obscure

— dark·ish \ˈdär-kish\ adjective

— dark·ly adverb

— dark·ness noun