shadow
Meaning
-
- A dark image projected onto a surface where light (or other radiation) is blocked by the shade of an object.
- Relative darkness, especially as caused by the interruption of light; gloom; obscurity.
- An area protected by an obstacle (likened to an object blocking out sunlight).
- (obsolete) A reflected image, as in a mirror or in water.
- That which looms as though a shadow.
- A small degree; a shade.
- An imperfect and faint representation.
- A trainee, assigned to work with an experienced officer.
- One who secretly or furtively follows another.
- An inseparable companion.
- A drop shadow effect applied to lettering in word processors etc.
- An influence, especially a pervasive or a negative one.
- A spirit; a ghost; a shade.
- (obsolete) An uninvited guest accompanying one who was invited.
- An unconscious aspect of the personality.
Synonyms
follow closely
shade off
keep under surveillance
hanker after
hover around
cloudy weather
evil spirit
reflected image
dark shadow
follow around
human spirit
shady place
shades of
mirrored image
black mood
dead person
Frequency
Hyphenated as
shad‧ow
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈʃædoʊ/
Etymology
In summary
From Middle English schadowe, schadewe, schadwe (also schade > shade), from Old English sċeaduwe, sċeadwe, oblique form of sċeadu (“shadow, shade; darkness; protection”), from Proto-West Germanic *skadu, from Proto-Germanic *skadwaz (“shade, shadow”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱeh₃- (“darkness”). Cognates: Cognate with Scots scaddow, schaddow (“shadow”), Saterland Frisian Skaad (“shade, shadow”), Dutch schaduw (“shadow”), German Schatten (“shadow, shade”), Norwegian skodde (“fog, mist”), Irish scáth (“shadow”), Ancient Greek σκότος (skótos, “darkness, gloom”).
Bookmark this
Improve your pronunciation
Start learning English with learnfeliz.
Practice speaking and memorizing "shadow" and many other words and sentences in English.
Go to our English course page
Notes