a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface, an area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked by an object, a reflected image

in someone's shadow, chase shadows, cast a long shadow

shadow of a doubt, shadow of one's former self, throw shade

Formal and Informal Expressions of shadow

In different contexts, you can replace 'shadow' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'silhouette, outline' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shape, figure' is a commonplace synonym.

shadow: Explore its Definition & Usage

shadow Definition

1a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface
2an area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked by an object
3a reflected image

Using shadow: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shadow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The tree cast a long shadow on the ground.
Example
I saw his shadow on the wall.
Example
The building's shadow covered the entire park.
Example
She noticed a shadow moving behind the curtains.

shadow Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shadow

Antonyms for shadow

Idioms Using shadow

in someone's shadow
to be in a position where someone else is more successful or famous than you are
Example
He has always lived in his father's shadow, struggling to make a name for himself.
chase shadows
to waste time and effort pursuing something that is unlikely to happen or exist
Example
Stop chasing shadows and focus on what's important.
cast a long shadow
to have a powerful and lasting influence on something or someone
Example
His legacy as a great leader cast a long shadow over the country.

Phrases with shadow

shadow of a doubt
a feeling of uncertainty or suspicion, especially regarding guilt or innocence
Example
There is not a shadow of a doubt that he is guilty.
shadow of one's former self
a person or thing that is much less impressive or successful than they were in the past
Example
After the accident, he was a shadow of his former self.
throw shade
to make a disrespectful comment or gesture towards someone
Example
She was throwing shade at her ex-boyfriend during the party.

Origins of shadow

from Old English 'sceadu'

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Summary: shadow in Brief

A 'shadow' [ˈʃædoʊ] is a dark area or shape created by an object blocking a source of light. It can also refer to a reflected image. The term extends into phrases like 'shadow of a doubt,' indicating suspicion, and idioms like 'in someone's shadow,' denoting being overshadowed by someone else. 'Shadow' can also be used in the phrase 'throw shade,' meaning to make a disrespectful comment.