shadow (ˈʃædəʊ
)
Definitions
noun
- a dark image or shape cast on a surface by the interception of light rays by an opaque body
- an area of relative darkness
- the dark portions of a picture
- a hint, image, or faint semblance ⇒
beyond a shadow of a doubt
- a remnant or vestige ⇒
a shadow of one's past self
- a reflection
- a threatening influence; blight ⇒
a shadow over one's happiness
- a spectre
- an inseparable companion
- a person who trails another in secret, such as a detective
- medicine a dark area on an X-ray film representing an opaque structure or part
- (in Jungian psychology) the archetype that represents man's animal ancestors
- archaic or rare protection or shelter
- (modifier) British designating a member or members of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power ⇒
shadow Chancellor
shadow cabinet
verb (tr)
- to cast a shadow over
- to make dark or gloomy; blight
- to shade from light
- to follow or trail secretly
- (often foll by forth) to represent vaguely
- painting drawing another word for shade (sense 13)
Alternative Forms
ˈshadower noun ˈshadowless adjectiveWord Origin
Old English sceadwe, oblique case of sceadu shade; related to Dutch schaduwTranslations
- British English:
shadow
A shadow is a dark shape on a surface that is made when something stands between a light and the surface.An oak tree cast its shadow over a tiny round pool.ˈʃædəʊ NOUN An oak tree cast its shadow over a tiny round pool.
- Spanish:
sombra
nf
- French:
ombre
nf
- German:
Schatten
nm
- Chinese: 影子 n
- Arabic: ظِلّ n
- Portuguese: sombra nf
- Russian: тень nf
- Croatian: sjena nf
- Czech: stín nm
- Danish: skygge nutr
- Dutch: schaduw n
- Finnish: varjo n
- Greek: ίσκιος nm
- Italian: ombra nf
- Japanese: 影 n
- Korean: 그림자 n
- Norwegian: skygge nm
- Polish: cień nm
- Brazilian Portuguese: sombra nf
- European Spanish:
sombra
nf
- Swedish: skugga nutr
- Thai: เงา n
- Turkish: gölge n
- Vietnamese: cái bóng n
Usage examples
The light was on in the entrance hall, a shadow passing across a distant wall, a breath of sound.
, CHAMELEON (2002)Unlike Golding, Alex Thomson, on Hugo Boss was sucked in to a wind shadow.
Yachting Boating World (2004)He must emerge from the shadow Galwey casts, a fact he acknowledges.
Irish Times (2002)Asked about Lord Tebbit's earlier outspoken remarks, the shadow chancellor declined to comment.
Glasgow Herald (2001)In an instant his pale eyes darkened like the shadow of a cloud crossing a field.
, THE VIRGIN BLUE (2002)