faintly dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faintly dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight darkness in a particular context, such as in literature or art. Example: "The room was faintly dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of the candles on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Juvenile: Pattern similar to that of adult, but the feathers of back and breast faintly dark tipped, and the supercilium and underparts are faintly tinged with yellowish.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even the most subtle flaw in a crop, the presence of a green berry in a pint, or a faintly darker cast to the lot, will influence the price.

The New York Times - Food

When the printed model is white or faintly colored, one may want to dye the model with a slightly dark color for improved perceptual representation of the complex surface anatomy.

3D Printing in Medicine

Then the dark, faintly comic story lightens.

The New York Times - Books

The atmosphere changed abruptly: the familiar clamor of an American summer morning cars whooshing, kids chirping fell away; the air became cool, dark, faintly damp; the sky overhead was embroidered with bright threads of birdsong.

The New Yorker

And if the menu was unusual and occasionally baffling (should I ask what mojama is or just pretend I know?), the flavours were those you remember from dark, faintly intimidating hashish-scented alleyways and orange-blossom filled courtyards: almonds, capers, garlic, saffron rosewater, mint and yoghurt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And as a result, racial tension is no longer lurking faintly in the dark.

Huffington Post

The flavor was intense, not with chiles but with dark, faintly sweet miso.

Los Angeles Times

In upscale places here and in Venice, real Italy, this relation of the squid is often flavored with its own ink, to a dark, faintly smoky-tasting effect.

Los Angeles Times

The corona discharge was also faintly visible to a dark adapted eye.

Polymer

His face caught my attention, this glowing, wise, but faintly hopeful face, his dark skin lit from within like the face of a Hindu saint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faintly dark" to describe a subtle lack of light or a mild shadow, creating a specific atmosphere or visual impression. It's more nuanced than simply saying "dark".

Common error

Avoid using "faintly dark" when a simpler term like "dim" or "slightly shadowed" would be more effective. The phrase works best when a more delicate or nuanced description is needed.

Linguistic Context

Adverb-adjective combination: "Faintly" modifies the adjective "dark", indicating a subtle degree of darkness. Ludwig indicates this usage as correct and appropriate for describing subtle gradations in light and shadow.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "faintly dark" is a grammatically sound and subtly descriptive term, best used to depict a minor degree of darkness. While Ludwig identifies it as correct, it's not particularly common; simpler terms often suffice. It finds utility in news, academic, and scientific writing, lending a touch of nuance when a delicate visual impression is desired. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider if more common alternatives like ""slightly dim"" or ""softly shadowed"" might be more effective depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly dark

More direct, implying a minimal level of darkness.

Barely dark

Emphasizes the near absence of darkness.

Dimly lit

Focuses on the lack of light rather than the presence of darkness.

Softly dark

Suggests a gentle or muted darkness.

Subtly shadowed

Highlights the presence of shadows with a delicate touch.

Gloomily faint

Suggests a slightly depressing or melancholic darkness.

Murkily subdued

Implies a darkness that is both unclear and restrained.

Shadowy glimmer

Highlights the presence of light within the darkness.

Somewhat dusky

Describes the state of becoming dark or shaded.

Gently shaded

Emphasizes a soft transition into darkness.

FAQs

How can I use "faintly dark" in a sentence?

Use "faintly dark" to describe a subtle lack of light or a mild shadow. For example, "The room was "faintly dark", illuminated only by the moon."

What can I say instead of "faintly dark"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly dim", "barely dark", or "softly shadowed" depending on the context.

Is "faintly dark" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "faintly dark" is not a frequently used phrase. Simpler alternatives are often preferred.

Which is correct, "faintly dark" or "slightly dark"?

Both phrases are correct, but "slightly dark" is more commonly used. "Faintly dark" adds a touch more nuance, suggesting a very subtle darkness.