shadow etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "sceadu," from Proto-Germanic "*skadwa," meaning "darkness, shade."

Meaning:

  • A darkened area created by an obstruction to light.
  • A dark area in comparison to a surrounding area.
  • A figure or object that follows or accompanies another.
  • A shadowy or mysterious figure or object.
  • A concealed or hidden aspect of something.

Origin:

The origin of the word "shadow" traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*skeu-," which meant "cover, hide, or protect." This root is also found in other words related to darkness and protection, such as "screen," "shade," and "shield."

Over time, the meaning of "shadow" evolved to refer specifically to the darkness created by an obstruction to light. In Old English, "sceadu" was used to describe a wide range of concepts related to darkness, including the shadow of an object, the darkness of night, and the darkness of death.

In modern English, the word "shadow" continues to be used in these literal senses, but it has also acquired a number of figurative meanings. Shadows can represent secrecy, mystery, or the hidden aspects of a person or situation. They can also be used to symbolize fear, danger, or evil.

shadow relate terms

  • meadow

    Etymology Old English mēd originally referring to a place for mowing hay Old English

  • overshadow

    Etymology The word overshadow comes from the Old English word ofersceadwian which

  • shadow

    Etymology Old English sceadu from Proto Germanic skadwa meaning darkness shade

  • shade

    Etymology Old English sceadu shadow shade Proto Germanic skadu Proto Indo Europe

  • shadowland

    Etymology The word shadowland is a compound of two words Shadow Middle English scha

  • dwarf

    Etymology The word dwarf comes from the Old Norse word dvergr which is related to t

  • penumbra

    Etymology Latin penumbra almost shadow partial darkness Late Latin from Greek pen

  • Ascians

    Etymology The word Ascian is derived from the Ancient Greek word askia ἄσκιος

  • Amphiscians

    Etymology Greek amphi both sides skia shadow Meaning Amphiscians refers

  • umbrage

    Etymology The word umbrage comes from the Old French word ombrage meaning shade o

  • semblance

    Etymology Middle English semblaunce from Anglo Norman French semblance from Old Fren

  • darken

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

  • recourse

    Etymology Latin recursus From re back currere to run Meaning A sourc