shadowy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadowy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is dark, unclear, or mysterious, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The shadowy figure in the alley made her feel uneasy as she walked home alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Updated at 2.48pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.26am BST10 26 Kirsty Hughes, chief executive of Index on Censorship, has put out this statement following Alan Rusbridger's revelations about how pressure from "shadowy Whitehall figures" led to the Guardian destroying hard drives in a basement.

The Guardian

However, the chance to pad through the shadowy aisles of damp barrels, and admire the ecclesiastical architecture shouldn't be missed.

The Guardian - Travel

In a world filled with lies, betrayals and shadowy insinuations, is anyone telling the truth?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a blasted, haunted landscape, populated by demonic child soldiers and a shadowy guerrilla army that slaughters in the bush or under the cover of night.

The Guardian - Film

The wonder of a meteor shower, for instance, is reflected in an arrangement of bright golden leaves that resemble stars in a patch of shadowy woodland.

The Guardian - Arts

This was a country dominated by terror as the hardline government fought a shadowy civil war against Islamist insurgents who sought to turn Algeria into "Iran on the Mediterranean".

The Guardian

Not surprisingly, the public is less than thrilled to learn the government has been secretly negotiating a shadowy agreement in their name.

The Guardian

It becomes increasingly likely that Lanark is Duncan moving through an afterlife where Glasgow has been translated to a shadowy hell and the failures of his life take on haunting significance.

The Guardian - Books

Kazantip, which calls itself a 'paradise rave republic', moves around Ukraine every year at the whim of its founder, a shadowy figure in his early forties called Nikita Marshunok, who styles himself President of Kazantip.

The Guardian - Music

Small camp fires could be seen here and there between the shadowy ranks of trees.

The Guardian

The Downing Street papers also provide further confirmation of the role of David Hart, a shadowy old-Etonian, charged with organising and funding the working miners' anti-strike movement, and nicknamed the "Blue Pimpernel" in Tory circles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "shadowy" when choosing it over other similar words like "dark" or "dim". "Shadowy" often carries a negative implication, suggesting something suspicious or untrustworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "shadowy" simply to describe something that is literally in shadow. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more straightforward descriptors like "darkened" or "shaded" if the intent is merely to describe the physical presence of shadows.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "shadowy" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of clarity, a sense of mystery, or a hidden nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often adds a layer of intrigue or suspicion. For example, "shadowy figures" or "shadowy organizations".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "shadowy" effectively conveys a sense of darkness, obscurity, or mystery, frequently employed in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for adding depth to descriptions. However, it's crucial to use it judiciously, particularly avoiding overuse in literal contexts. Alternatives like "obscure", "vague", and "murky" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscure

Focuses on the lack of clarity and difficulty in perceiving or understanding something.

vague

Emphasizes the lack of precise details and definition.

murky

Suggests a sense of darkness and obscurity, often associated with something unpleasant or suspicious.

dim

Indicates a lack of brightness or clarity, often used in a literal sense but can also imply a lack of understanding.

nebulous

Conveys a sense of being hazy, indistinct, or ill-defined.

enigmatic

Highlights the mysterious and puzzling nature of something or someone.

mysterious

Focuses on the element of secrecy and the unknown.

shady

Implies a sense of dishonesty, untrustworthiness, or illegality.

covert

Emphasizes the hidden or secretive nature of an activity or operation.

unclear

Directly states the lack of clarity or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "shadowy" in a sentence?

You can use "shadowy" to describe something that is dark, obscure, or mysterious. For example, "The alley was a "shadowy" place filled with unknown dangers."

What are some alternatives to the word "shadowy"?

Alternatives to "shadowy" include "obscure", "vague", "murky", and "dim". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to describe a person as "shadowy"?

Yes, describing a person as "shadowy" suggests they are mysterious, elusive, or possibly untrustworthy. For instance, "He was a "shadowy" figure who rarely spoke to anyone."

What is the difference between "shadowy" and "dark"?

"Dark" primarily refers to the absence of light. "Shadowy", while related to shadows, implies more of a hidden or mysterious quality. A room can be dark, but a person is more likely to be described as "shadowy" if their motives or background are unclear.