First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1dark
adjective \ˈdärk\
: having very little or no light
: not light in color : of a color that is closer to black than white
of a color : having more black than white : not light
Full Definition of DARK
1
a : devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light <a dark room> b : transmitting only a portion of light <dark glasses>
2
a : wholly or partially black <dark clothing> b of a color : of low or very low lightness c : being less light in color than other substances of the same kind <dark rum>
3
a : arising from or showing evil traits or desires : evil <the dark powers that lead to war> b : dismal, gloomy <had a dark view of the future> c : lacking knowledge or culture : unenlightened <a dark period in history> d : relating to grim or depressing circumstances <dark humor>
4
a : not clear to the understanding b : not known or explored because of remoteness <the darkest reaches of the continent>
5
: not fair in complexion : swarthy
6
: secret <kept his plans dark>
7
: possessing depth and richness <a dark voice>
8
: closed to the public <the theater is dark in the summer>
— dark·ish \ˈdär-kish\ adjective
— dark·ly adverb
— dark·ness noun
See dark defined for English-language learners
See dark defined for kids
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Origin of DARK
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
Related to DARK
Synonym Discussion of DARK
obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge <obscure poems>. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion <muttered dark hints of revenge>. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration <a vague sense of obligation>. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality <enigmatic occult writings>. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning <cryptic hints of hidden treasure>. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation <an ambiguous directive>. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading <moral precepts with equivocal phrasing>.
2dark
noun
the dark : a state in which no light can be seen
: a place where little or no light can be seen
: the time of day when night begins : the time when the sky becomes dark for the night
Full Definition of DARK
2
: a dark or deep color
— in the dark
1
: in secrecy <most of his dealings were done in the dark>
2
: in ignorance <kept the public in the dark about the agreement>
See dark defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DARK
13th century
3dark
verb
Definition of DARK
intransitive verb
obsolete : to grow dark
transitive verb
: to make dark
First Known Use of DARK
14th century
DARKNESS Defined for Kids
1dark
adjective \ˈdärk\
dark·erdark·est
Definition of DARK for Kids
1
: without light or without much light <a dark closet>
2
: not light in color <My dog has a dark coat.>
3
: not bright and cheerful : gloomy <Don't look on the dark side of things.>
4
: arising from or characterized by evil <The villain revealed his dark side.>
2dark
noun
Definition of DARK for Kids
1
: absence of light : darkness <I'm not afraid of the dark.>
2
: a place or time of little or no light <We got home before dark.>
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