shadowy

shadowy — adjective

1. having many areas where light does not reach, making it hard to see things clear

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having many areas where light does not reach, making it hard to see things clearly

例句

The shadowy hallway stretched ahead, lit only by a single lamp near the staircase.

We followed a shadowy path through the forest, guided only by Élise's flashlight.

collocation: shadowy path / shadowy hallway

同義詞
  • dark

    more general term for little or no light; 'shadowy' suggests many areas of shadow rather than total darkness

  • dim

    faintly lit, less intense than 'shadowy'; emphasises weak light rather than blocked light

  • gloomy

    sad or depressing in addition to being dark; carries an emotional tone that 'shadowy' lacks

  • shaded

    protected from direct sunlight; less dramatic and more neutral than 'shadowy'

反義詞

用法筆記

Typically describes physical spaces (rooms, streets, forests) or objects (figures, shapes) that are hard to see clearly due to a lack of light.

常見錯誤

❌We sat under a shadowy tree to escape the sun.
✅We sat under a shady tree to escape the sun.
💡'shady' describes something that provides shade; 'shadowy' describes something that is itself dark or full of shadows.
❌The shadowy living room was bright and cheerful.
✅The dark living room was bright and cheerful.
💡'shadowy' implies many blocked light sources, not just the absence of brightness.

2. not fully known or understood; often suggesting a hidden purpose or secretive na

2.形容詞B2
釋義

not fully known or understood; often suggesting a hidden purpose or secretive nature

例句

Reuben got involved with a shadowy organization that no one in the village knew about.

collocation: shadowy organization

A shadowy figure from Tunde's past suddenly appeared at the wedding reception.

collocation: shadowy figure (mysterious person sense)

同義詞
  • mysterious

    broader term; can describe anything puzzling or unknown, while 'shadowy' carries a darker, more suspicious tone

  • secretive

    focuses on the behaviour of hiding information rather than the unknown nature itself

  • obscure

    little-known or not famous; less negative than 'shadowy', which often implies wrongdoing

  • enigmatic

    puzzling in a fascinating way; more neutral or even admiring than 'shadowy'

反義詞

用法筆記

Commonly placed before nouns referring to people, groups, or activities whose real identity, origin, or purpose is concealed. Avoid using 'shadowy' for situations that are merely confusing or unclear — it implies deliberate secrecy.

常見錯誤

❌The instructions were shadowy and hard to follow.
✅The instructions were unclear and hard to follow.
💡'shadowy' is for people or groups with hidden intentions, not for things that are simply difficult to understand.
❌He is a shadowy person who rarely speaks.
✅He is a quiet, reserved person.
💡'shadowy' suggests something suspicious or deliberately concealed, not personal shyness.