shadow

[ˈʃædoʊ]

shadow Definition

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

• shade
• silhouette
• outline
• profile
• figure

Antonyms for shadow

• light
• brightness

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.