dark
/dɑːk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Having little or no light, so that you cannot see well. It can describe a room, night, or place.
- The room was dark after sunset.
- It was too dark to read outside.
noun
The dark is the absence of light. It can also mean night or a dark area.
- We walked home in the dark.
- She is afraid of the dark.
adjective
- 1.
Used for colours, skin, hair, or other things that are close to black or have deep colour.
- He wore a dark blue shirt.
- Her hair is dark brown.
- 2.
Describes serious, unpleasant, or secret things. It can also describe mood or humour.
- The film has a dark ending.
- He has a dark sense of humour.
Adinary Nuance
Dark is broader than dim, which usually means 'not bright enough' but not completely without light. It is also different from black, which names a colour, while dark often describes low light or a deeper shade. In writing, dark can also suggest sadness, secrecy, or danger, not just colour.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tối
- Spanish
- oscuro
- Chinese
- 黑暗
- Japanese
- 暗い
- Korean
- 어두운
Etymology
Dark comes from Old English deorc, meaning 'without light'. It has been in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
dark nightdark roomdark bluein the dark
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is dark the same as black?
- Not always. Black is a colour, but dark often means low light or a deep shade.
- Can I say 'dark skin' in English?
- Yes, it is common and natural. Use it respectfully and carefully in context.
- What is the difference between dark and dim?
- Dark means little or no light. Dim means weak light, but not total darkness.
- Is dark used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common in both everyday speech and formal writing.