What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
noir
Example
The movie was a classic example of film noir, with its gritty urban setting and morally ambiguous characters. [noir: noun]
Example
The photographer used noir lighting techniques to create a dramatic and shadowy portrait. [noir: adjective]
shadowy
Example
The alley was shadowy and deserted, making her feel uneasy. [shadowy: adjective]
Example
The politician had a shadowy past that raised questions about his integrity. [shadowy: adjective]
Example
She had a shadowy feeling that something was not quite right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. [shadowy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shadowy is more commonly used than noir in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Noir is a more specialized term that is mainly used in the context of film, literature, or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between noir and shadowy?
Both noir and shadowy are relatively neutral in terms of formality, but noir may have a slightly more artistic or literary connotation, while shadowy may have a more practical or descriptive connotation.
