What does "darkness" mean?
The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light.
Darkness
/ˈdɑɹknɪs/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light.
- Grammar: darkness is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: dark, ablepsia, adiaphanousness, age of ignorance.
- Useful contrasts: alba, angelic glow, blanc.
- Usage evidence: We advanced under cover of darkness.
How to use "darkness"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "darkness" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "darkness" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "darkness" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "darkness" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "darkness" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "dark" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "darkness", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light. uncountable
"The darkness of the room made it difficult to see."
- 2 a swarthy complexion wordnet
- 3 The state or quality of reflecting little light, of tending to a blackish or brownish color. uncountable
"The darkness of her skin betrayed her Mediterranean heritage."
- 4 having a dark or somber color wordnet
- 5 Any space that such colour pervades. countable, uncountable
"Out of the darkness came some flickers of light."
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 an unenlightened state wordnet
- 7 Gloom; gloominess; depression. uncountable
- 8 an unilluminated area wordnet
- 9 The product of being dark. countable
- 10 absence of light or illumination wordnet
- 11 Lack of understanding or compassion; spiritual or mental blindness. uncountable
"And now, the prophecy. One will come, the voice from the outer world, bringing the holy war, the jihad, which will cleanse the universe and bring us out of darkness."
- 12 absence of moral or spiritual values wordnet
- 13 Secrecy; concealment. uncountable
- 14 Lack of knowledge; obscurity or meaning or intelligibility; the unknown. uncountable
"It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind - as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness."
- 15 Nothingness, vanity, emptiness. uncountable
"My own dim life should teach me this, That life shall live for evermore, Else earth is darkness at the core, And dust and ashes all that is; […]"
- 16 Hell. uncountable
"Shepard: Can you tell me anything about the beacon? Dr. Warren: It's some type of data module from a galaxy-wide communications network. Remarkably well-preserved. It could be the greatest scientific discovery of our lifetime! Dr. Warren: Miraculous new technologies. Groundbreaking medical advances. Who knows what secrets are locked inside? Dr. Manuel: We have unearthed the heart of evil. Awakened the beast. Unleashed the darkness."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"We advanced under cover of darkness."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "darkness"?
Common synonyms include: dark, ablepsia, adiaphanousness, age of ignorance, amaurosis, amorphousness.
How do you use "darkness" in a sentence?
We advanced under cover of darkness.
How do you pronounce "darkness"?
Pronounced /ˈdɑɹknɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English derknesse, from Old English deorcnes; equivalent to dark + -ness.