Darkness Meaning

UK /ˈdɑːknəs/
US /ˈdɑːrk.nəs/
Word Definition
darkness meaning

Darkness Definition & Usage

noun

The state of being dark, characterized by the absence of light.

Examples

  • "The room was filled with darkness after the power went out."
  • "We couldn’t see a thing in the dense darkness of the cave."
  • "She stumbled through the darkness, feeling her way along the wall."
  • "The darkness outside was overwhelming, swallowing the streetlights whole."
  • "In the early morning, the city was still cloaked in darkness."
noun

A state of despair, fear, or evil, often associated with negative emotions or events.

Examples

  • "The darkness in his heart prevented him from ever trusting again."
  • "She felt the darkness of loneliness creeping in after the breakup."
  • "The country fell into darkness after the dictator seized power."
  • "His mind was shrouded in darkness, filled with doubts and fears."
  • "He wandered the streets, lost in the darkness of his thoughts."
noun

The concept of ignorance, evil, or moral ambiguity in philosophical or religious contexts.

Examples

  • "The ancient texts spoke of the eternal struggle between light and darkness."
  • "Darkness is often used to symbolize the unknown in spiritual teachings."
  • "He chose to embrace the darkness rather than seek redemption."
  • "In many cultures, darkness represents the absence of knowledge or enlightenment."
  • "The darkness of human nature was a central theme in his writing."

Cultural Context

The word 'darkness' comes from the Old English word 'deorcnes,' which meant 'the state of being dark.' It is used both literally to refer to the absence of light and metaphorically to represent negative feelings or states of being. In literature, mythology, and religious texts, darkness is often a symbol for the unknown, evil, or despair, contrasting with light, which is a symbol of hope, knowledge, and virtue.

The Veil of Darkness

Story

The Veil of Darkness

It was a cold, moonless night in the small town of Larkspur. Emma walked through the winding streets, the absence of light overwhelming her senses. The darkness wrapped around her like a thick, suffocating blanket, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching. Her footsteps echoed in the still air, but the emptiness of the town seemed to amplify the silence, making it even more unsettling. She remembered her grandmother's stories about the curse that had plagued Larkspur for generations. The darkness, she had said, was not just a physical absence of light, but a manifestation of the town's sins and fears. It was a darkness that hid in the hearts of the people, waiting for a moment of weakness to consume them. Emma had never believed in the curse, but tonight something felt different. The shadows seemed to stretch and twist unnaturally, and the silence was oppressive, like a force pressing against her chest. Her mind raced as she hurried toward the old church at the edge of town. The darkness seemed to deepen the closer she got. Inside the church, the air was thick with history. The stained glass windows, long since shattered, left dark, jagged shapes in the moonlight. The darkness in the church was not just the absence of light—it was a presence. It hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the fear and despair that had once consumed this place. Emma shuddered as she recalled the tales of those who had vanished over the years, their souls trapped in the very darkness they had once ignored. As Emma stood in the center of the church, the darkness seemed to close in on her. It whispered in her ear, telling her of the things she had been too afraid to confront. The darkness was not just the physical night—it was a reflection of everything she had buried deep inside herself. In that moment, Emma understood that the curse was not something that could be broken by light; it could only be overcome by facing the darkness within. With a deep breath, Emma stepped out into the cold night. The darkness had not gone away, but she felt stronger, more capable of facing it. Perhaps the town's curse had always been a metaphor, a reflection of the fears and doubts that plagued the people of Larkspur. And maybe, just maybe, there was a way to bring the light back.

The Veil of Darkness