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REFERENCE

darkness

n.
US //ˈdɑɹknəs// UK //dˈɑːknəs// dark·ness
  1. 1 absence of light (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a state where there is little or no light, making it difficult to see.

    the total or partial absence of light in a physical space.

    Example

    The power went out and the room was plunged into total darkness.

    Example

    The hikers struggled to find the trail in the absolute darkness of the forest after their only flashlight failed.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable, but can take an article when describing a specific type of dark environment.
  2. 2 nighttime (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the time of day when it is dark outside, usually after the sun goes down.

    the period of night or the onset of nightfall.

    Example

    It is safer to finish your walk before darkness falls.

    Example

    They preferred to travel under the cover of darkness to avoid the sweltering heat of the desert sun.
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  1. 3 sadness or evil (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    a feeling of being very unhappy, or a quality that seems scary and evil.

    a metaphorical state of gloom, depression, or moral wickedness.

    Example

    The movie tells a story about the darkness inside a person's heart.

    Example

    The poet used the image of encroaching darkness to symbolize the protagonist's growing despair and isolation from society.

    Usage

    Often used in literature to represent internal struggle or external threats.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that this is a common metaphor in English stories and films.
  2. 4 lack of knowledge (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    a state of not knowing or understanding something.

    a state of ignorance or a lack of information regarding a specific subject.

    Example

    For many years, the public was kept in darkness about the government's secret plans.

    Example

    The historical records are thin, leaving much of the civilization's daily life shrouded in darkness.

    Usage

    Commonly found in the phrase 'in the darkness' regarding information.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern business English, 'in the dark' is much more common than 'in the darkness' for this meaning.
Origin

From Middle English derknesse, from Old English deorcnes; equivalent to dark + -ness.

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