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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | sceaduw-, stem of sceadu; SHADE1 |
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shad‧ow1 W2
1 the dark shape that someone or something makes on a surface when they are between that surface and the light : the long dark shadow of an old oak tree
dark shape
[countable]the long dark shadow of an old oak tree in the shadow of something It was hot, and we decided to walk in the shadow of the wall (=along the wall, where its shadow would fall).
It was hot, and we decided to walk in the shadow of the wall (=along the wall, where its shadow would fall).2 darkness caused by something preventing light from reaching a place
darkness
[uncountable] also shadows [plural]3 the bad effect or influence that something has, which makes other things seem less enjoyable, attractive, or impressive
bad effect/influence
[singular] cast a shadow over/on something (=make something seem less enjoyable, attractive, or impressive) The events of September 11th cast a shadow over the celebrations.
The events of September 11th cast a shadow over the celebrations.4 used to say that something is definitely true : Without a shadow of a doubt, he's the most talented player we have.
without/beyond a shadow of a doubt
Without a shadow of a doubt, he's the most talented player we have.5 if you are in someone's shadow, they are much more famous and successful than you are : Kate grew up in the shadow of her film star sister.
in somebody's shadow
Kate grew up in the shadow of her film star sister.6 to be weaker, less powerful, or worse than you were before : Lennox seemed like a shadow of his former self.
be a shadow of your former self
Lennox seemed like a shadow of his former self.7 small dark areas under your eyes that you have when you are very tired : She looked pale, with deep shadows under her eyes.
shadows under your eyes
HBHShe looked pale, with deep shadows under her eyes. ➔ five o'clock shadowWORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
shadow, shade A shadow is a dark shape made by something that blocks the sun or a light • She saw his shadow on the wall.Shadow is an area of darkness made like this • The side of the valley was in shadow.Shade is a cool dark area where the sun does not reach, made by the shadow of something such as a tree or wall • Let's eat our lunch in the shade. • He sat under the shade of a tree.
WORD CHOICE: shadow, shade A shadow is a dark shape made by something that blocks the sun or a light • She saw his shadow on the wall.Shadow is an area of darkness made like this • The side of the valley was in shadow.Shade is a cool dark area where the sun does not reach, made by the shadow of something such as a tree or wall • Let's eat our lunch in the shade. • He sat under the shade of a tree.
