shadow

¹shad·ow

noun \ˈsha-(ˌ)dō\

Definition of SHADOW

1

: partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body

2

: a reflected image

3

: shelter from danger or observation

4

a : an imperfect and faint representation b : an imitation of something : copy

5

: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light

6

: phantom

7

plural : dark 1a

8

: a shaded or darker portion of a picture

9

: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant

10

a : an inseparable companion or follower b : one (as a spy or detective) that shadows

11

: a small degree or portion : trace

12

: a source of gloom or unhappiness

13

a : an area near an object : vicinity b : pervasive and dominant influence

14

: a state of ignominy or obscurity

— shad·ow·less \ˈsha-dō-ləs, -də-ləs\ adjective

— shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of SHADOW

1. The tree cast a long shadow across the lawn.
2. You can see your own shadow on a sunny day.
3. Part of the valley was in shadow.
4. He saw something moving in the shadows.
5. I sensed a shadow of disappointment in his expression.

Origin of SHADOW

Middle English shadwe, from Old English sceaduw-, sceadu shade

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHADOW

Synonyms: dusk, penumbra, shadiness, shade, umbra

Antonyms: blaze, brightness, brilliance, day, daylight, glare, glow, light, lightness

Related Words: blackness, dimness, duskiness, gloom, gloominess, murkiness, obscurity, semidarkness, somberness; cloudiness

Near Antonyms: brightness, brilliance, effulgence, illumination, incandescence, light, lightness, lucidity, lucidness, luminance, luminosity, luminousness, radiance, radiancy

see all synonyms and antonyms

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