darkness
gb/dˈɑɹknəs/ us/dˈɑɹknəs/
A2
English
~ 2600
sötétség, sötét, gonoszság, romlottság, sötét oldal, tudatlanság, tájékozatlanság
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
in [darkness]
The power outage left the whole neighborhood in darkness.
She stumbled in the darkness, searching for the flashlight.
Darkness fell quickly after the sun set.
The cave was filled with complete darkness.
They waited in darkness until morning came.
Learner examples
The room was in darkness.
We sat in darkness when the lights went out.
It is hard to see in darkness.
Darkness comes after sunset.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'darkness' with 'dark'. 'Dark' is an adjective, while 'darkness' is a noun.
Meaning
lack of light
Collocations
pitch darkness
|total darkness
|in darkness
|darkness falls
|complete darkness
Synonyms
blackness (Emphasizes complete absence of light, often more intense.)
|
gloom (Suggests dim light and often a depressing mood.)
Antonyms
light (The natural agent that makes things visible.)
|
brightness (The quality of being full of light.)
Themes
nature
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When there is no light, or very little light.
The state or condition of having little or no visible light.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
the [darkness] of [something]
The novel explores the darkness in human nature.
A regény az emberi természet sötét oldalát vizsgálja.
He was drawn into the darkness of organized crime.
Besodródott a szervezett bűnözés sötét világába.
Her speech aimed to fight the darkness of hatred and prejudice.
Learner examples
The movie shows the darkness in people.
A film az emberek sötét oldalát mutatja meg.
He fell into the darkness of crime.
A bűnözés sötét világába sodródott.
She wants to stop the darkness in society.
Common mistake:
Some learners may confuse this figurative sense with physical lack of light; context usually makes it clear.
Meaning
evil or wickedness
Collocations
the darkness within
|darkness of the soul
|moral darkness
Synonyms
evil (Direct term for morally bad actions or intentions.)
|
wickedness (Strongly emphasizes deliberate wrongdoing.)
Antonyms
goodness (The quality of being morally right or kind.)
|
virtue (High moral standards.)
Themes
emotions
|society
|religion
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Evil or very bad behavior or ideas.
A state or quality representing evil, cruelty, or moral corruption.
NOUN
B2
3
tudatlanság
B2
Usage pattern:
in [darkness] about [something]
The public was kept in darkness about the new policy changes.
A nyilvánosságot sötétben tartották az új szakpolitikai változásokkal kapcsolatban.
For years, she lived in darkness about her true family history.
Évekig semmit sem tudott a valódi családi múltjáról.
They remained in darkness regarding the company's financial problems.
Learner examples
He was in darkness about the plan.
Nem tudott semmit a tervről.
The teacher did not keep us in darkness.
A tanár nem tartott minket sötétben.
They were in darkness about the news.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this is a figurative use meaning 'ignorance', not literal absence of light.
Meaning
ignorance or unawareness
Collocations
kept in darkness
|remain in darkness
Synonyms
ignorance (Lack of knowledge or education about something.)
|
unawareness (Not being conscious or informed about something.)
Antonyms
knowledge (Facts, information, and understanding.)
|
awareness (Knowing about a situation or fact.)
Themes
education
|society
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not knowing about something or not having information.
A state of not knowing or understanding something; ignorance.
Grammar
Dictionary form
darkness
IPA
GB/dˈɑɹknəs/
US/dˈɑɹknəs/
Syllables & stress
dark - ness (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dark)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: darkness
- Plural: darkness
Word family
Expressions
hours of darkness
1/ˈaʊɚz əv dˈɑɹknəs/
fixed phrase
nighttime hours without daylight
The time at night when there is no sunlight.
Examples
- Driving is more dangerous during the hours of darkness.
- Security patrols increase during hours of darkness.
plunge into darkness
1/plˈʌnd͡ʒ ˈɪntu dˈɑɹknəs/
fixed phrase
literary
suddenly lose all light
To suddenly become dark because the light is gone.
Examples
- The city plunged into darkness after the storm cut the power.
- Without warning, the theater plunged into darkness.
in the dark
1/ˈɪn ðə dˈɑɹk/
idiom
unaware of something
Not knowing about something because you have not been told.
Examples
- I was completely in the dark about their plans.
- She kept me in the dark about the surprise party.
in the dark
2/ˈɪn ðə dˈɑɹk/
idiom
not informed about something important
Not knowing about something important.
Examples
- We were kept in the dark about the changes.
- She felt in the dark about her future.