penumbra Definition
- 1a partially shaded area around the edges of a shadow, especially an eclipse
- 2a peripheral or indeterminate area or group
Using penumbra: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penumbra" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The penumbra of the moon's shadow was visible from our location.
Example
The issue falls within the penumbra of constitutional law.
Example
The company operates in the penumbra of the law.
penumbra Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with penumbra
the implied rights and principles derived from the Constitution that are not explicitly stated
Example
The right to privacy is found in the legal penumbra of the Constitution.
an area of doubt or ambiguity
Example
The results of the experiment were inconclusive, leaving a penumbra of uncertainty.
Example
The celebrity's penumbra of influence extends beyond their immediate circle of fans.
Origins of penumbra
from Latin 'paene' meaning 'almost' + 'umbra' meaning 'shadow'
Summary: penumbra in Brief
The term 'penumbra' [pih-nuhm-bruh] refers to a partially shaded area around the edges of a shadow, such as during an eclipse. It can also denote a peripheral or indeterminate area or group, as in 'The issue falls within the penumbra of constitutional law.' 'Penumbra' extends into phrases like 'legal penumbra,' referring to implied rights and principles derived from the Constitution, and 'penumbra of uncertainty,' denoting an area of doubt or ambiguity.
