What does "shadowing" mean?
The effect of being shadowed (in the sense of blocked), as from a light source or radio transmission.
Shadowing
/ˈʃædəʊɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The effect of being shadowed (in the sense of blocked), as from a light source or radio transmission.
- Grammar: shadowing is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: tailing, accompanying, ambuscade, ambush.
- Useful contrasts: brightening, highlighting, ignore.
- Usage evidence: Light source, that is what direction the light is facing, also take care with shadowing. Just copy down into the sketch book you have at hand as accurately as possible.
How to use "shadowing"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "shadowing" 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 "shadowing" 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 "shadowing" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "shadowing" 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 "shadowing" is acting as noun, verb 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 "tailing" 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 "shadowing", 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 effect of being shadowed (in the sense of blocked), as from a light source or radio transmission. countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of following someone secretly wordnet
- 3 The situation where a person repeats speech immediately as they hear it (usually through earphones). countable, uncountable
- 4 Secretly or discreetly tracking or following someone, keeping under surveillance. countable, uncountable
- 5 A faint representation; an adumbration. countable, uncountable
"There are […] in savage theology shadowings, quaint or majestic, of the conception of a Supreme Deity."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The technique of copying ROM contents to RAM to allow for shorter access times. The ROM chip is then disabled while the initialized memory locations are switched in on the same block of addresses. countable, uncountable
- 7 A work experience option where students learn about a job by walking through the work day as a shadow to a competent worker. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of shadow form-of, gerund, participle, present
Example
"Light source, that is what direction the light is facing, also take care with shadowing. Just copy down into the sketch book you have at hand as accurately as possible."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "shadowing"?
Common synonyms include: tailing, accompanying, ambuscade, ambush, ambushment, apprenticeship.
How do you use "shadowing" in a sentence?
Light source, that is what direction the light is facing, also take care with shadowing. Just copy down into the sketch book you have at hand as accurately as possible.
How do you pronounce "shadowing"?
Pronounced /ˈʃædəʊɪŋ/.
Etymology
From shadow (verb) + -ing (suffix forming nouns denoting the act of doing something, an action, or the embodiment of an action; or forming present participles of verbs).