What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
darkness
Example
The darkness of the night made it hard to see the path ahead. [darkness: noun]
Example
She stumbled in the darkness, unable to find the light switch. [darkness: noun]
murkiness
Example
The murkiness of the water made it impossible to see the bottom. [murkiness: noun]
Example
The details of the contract were shrouded in murkiness, making it hard to know what was expected. [murkiness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Darkness is a more common word than murkiness in everyday language. Darkness is used to describe a physical state that is familiar to everyone, while murkiness is a more abstract concept that is less frequently encountered.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between darkness and murkiness?
Both darkness and murkiness are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
