dark etymology

Etymology

The word "dark" originates from the Proto-Indo-European root *derḱ-, meaning "to see". It is related to the words "derk" (to see) in Old English, "dunkel" (dark) in German, and "tarkus" (dark) in Sanskrit.

Meaning

The word "dark" primarily refers to the absence or lack of light. It can also be used figuratively to denote qualities or concepts that are mysterious, secretive, evil, or depressing.

Origin

The word "dark" has been in use in the English language since before the 7th century. It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *derḱ-, which likely referred to the act of seeing in darkness or obscurity.

Usage

The word "dark" is commonly used in various contexts, including:

• To describe the absence of light: "It was dark outside."
• To describe something that is black or of a deep color: "Her hair was dark brown."
• To figuratively describe something that is mysterious or unknown: "The dark secrets of the past."
• To describe something that is evil or bad: "The dark side of human nature."
• To describe something that is depressing or gloomy: "Her mood was dark and brooding."

Related Terms

• Darkness: The absence or lack of light.
• Darken: To make or become dark.
• Darkling: Moving or existing in the dark.
• Darksome: Dark and gloomy.
• Darkroom: A room with no windows or controlled lighting, used for developing photographs.

dark relate terms

• marsh

  Etymology The word marsh comes from the Old English word mersc which originally mea

• darling

  Etymology The word darling is derived from the Old English verb deorling meaning t

• hart

  Etymology Old English heort Proto Germanic herta Proto Indo European ḱerd m

• darken

  Etymology Darken comes from the Old English word deorc meaning dark obscure or evil

• dark

  Etymology The word dark originates from the Proto Indo European root derḱ meaning

• darkling

  Etymology The word darkling is derived from the Old English word deorcung meaning h

• dern

  Etymology The word dern is derived from the Old English word dearn which means se

• temerity

  Etymology The word temerity comes from the Latin word temeritas meaning rashness

• brunette

  Etymology The word brunette derives from the Old French word brunet which in turn c

• dusk

  Etymology The word dusk comes from the Old English word dusc which was itself derive

• obscure

  Obscure Etymology Obscure etymology refers to words or phrases whose origins and root mea

• evening

  Etymology The word evening originates from the Old English word æfen which means

• night

  Etymology The word night comes from the Middle English word niht which in turn comes