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REFERENCE

dark

adj. · n.
US //ˈdɑɹk// UK //dˈɑːk// dark
  1. 1 without light (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    having little or no light, making it difficult to see.

    characterised by a relative or absolute deficiency of visible light.

    Example

    The street was very dark because the power was out.

    Example

    The hikers found themselves on a dark trail after the sun dipped below the ridge faster than they had anticipated.
  2. 2 deep colour (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    a colour that is closer to black than white; not pale.

    possessing a low value in terms of colour theory; highly saturated or deep in hue.

    Example

    She wore a dark blue suit to the job interview.

    Example

    The interior designer recommended dark green velvet for the curtains to create a sense of richness in the library.
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  1. 3 sad or evil (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    unhappy, scary, or related to bad things.

    suggestive of gloom, hopelessness, or moral wickedness.

    Example

    The movie was a dark comedy about a very serious subject.

    Example

    The novel explores the dark side of human nature through its depiction of greed and betrayal in a small town.
  2. 4 secret (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    hidden or kept secret from other people.

    characterised by secrecy or a lack of public knowledge.

    Example

    They kept their plans dark until the very last minute.

    Example

    The intelligence agency remained dark regarding the specifics of the operation, citing national security concerns.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'to keep someone dark' or 'to stay dark'.
  3. 5 absence of light (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a place or time where there is no light.

    the state of being without light, or the period of nightfall.

    Example

    The children are afraid of the dark.

    Example

    After the campfire died down, they sat in the dark listening to the sounds of the forest.
Etymology 1

From Middle English derk, from Old English deorc, from Proto-West Germanic derk (“dark”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Indo-European dʰerg- (“dim, dull”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰer- (“dull, dirty”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English derk, derke, dirke, dyrke, from the adjective (see above), or possibly from an unrecorded Old English dierce, diercu (“dark, darkness”).

Etymology 3

From Middle English derken, from Old English deorcian, from Proto-West Germanic *derkōn.

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