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

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>

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>

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>

a : not clear to the understanding

b : not known or explored because of remoteness <the darkest reaches of the continent>

: not fair in complexion : swarthy

: secret <kept his plans dark>

: possessing depth and richness <a dark voice>

: 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

Origin of DARK

Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DARK

Synonyms: black, caliginous, darkened, darkish, darkling, darksome, dim, dimmed, dusk, dusky, gloomy, lightless, murky, obscure, obscured, pitch-black, pitch-dark, pitchy, rayless, somber (or sombre), stygian, tenebrific, tenebrous, unlit

Antonyms: bright, brightened, brilliant, illuminated, illumined, light, lit (or lighted), lightsome, lucent, lucid, luminous

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>.