# darkly

/ˈdɑɹkɫi/ (US) · /dˈɑːkli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/darkly
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is serious, mysterious, or slightly scary. You use this to describe a person's mood or a story that has a serious and gloomy feeling.

For teachers: in a manner that is serious, somber, or ominous; in a way that suggests a lack of light or a mysterious atmosphere.

## Examples

- He spoke darkly about the future of the company.
- The author wrote the ending darkly, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and foreboding.
- The protagonist's darkly humorous observations about the political landscape reveal a deep-seated cynicism that he has developed over decades of service.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.