Shadows

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈʃædoʊz/

Definitions

1. Dark shapes formed on a surface when light is blocked by an object ; parts of an area that are less brightly lit because they receive less light ; feelings of gloom or worry that affect someone's mood or situation
2. The silhouette or outline produced when an object obstructs a light source ; regions of partial darkness found under trees or behind objects outside direct light ; the presence of apprehension or sadness that lingers like a dark presence
3. A shaded image appearing when something interrupts a light beam ; zones with decreased illumination often causing cooler or darker conditions ; emotional or figurative darkness suggesting fear, negativity or uncertainty

Etymology: "Shadows" is the third-person singular present of the verb "shadow," which comes from Middle English "schadowen." That word descends from Old English "sceadwian," formed from "sceadu" (shade, shadow) with the suffix "-ian," which forms verbs. The root goes back further to Proto-Germanic "skaduz," meaning shade or shadow, and it is also the source of the English "shade," making the two a doublet. Its relatives include German "Schatten" and Dutch "schaduw."

Synonyms: darkness, shade, shadowy figures, silhouettes, obscurity

Antonyms: light, brightness, illumination, clarity, visibility