darkness

word · lemma: dark

/ˈdɑɹknəs/
DARK-nus
/dˈɑːknəs/
DAHK-nus

Definition

The state of having little or no light, so it is hard or impossible to see. It can also mean sadness, evil, or lack of hope in a more figurative way.

Usage & Nuances

Usually uncountable: 'in darkness', not usually 'a darkness' unless you mean a particular dark quality or period. Common collocations include 'total darkness', 'fall into darkness', and 'cover of darkness'. Often more literary or dramatic than the simpler word 'dark'.

Example Sentences

The room was in complete darkness after the lights went out.

basic

He is afraid of the darkness.

basic

The movie starts in darkness, so don't worry if you can't see anything at first.

natural

After months of grief, she finally felt a little light breaking through the darkness.

natural

We sat quietly in the darkness and waited.

basic

Under the cover of darkness, they slipped out of the city.

natural