darkness
//ˈdɑːknəs//
Forms
- Plural
- darknesses
Definitions
1.The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light.
- The darkness of the room made it difficult to see.
- Over everything was darkness and thick silence, and the smell of dust and sunflowers.
2.The state or quality of reflecting little light, of tending to a blackish or brownish color.
- The darkness of her skin betrayed her Mediterranean heritage.
3.Any space that such colour pervades.
- Out of the darkness came some flickers of light.
4.Gloom; gloominess; depression.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2843
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English derknesse
From Old English deorcnes; equivalent to dark + -ness.