darkness
UK: ˈdɑːknəs | US: ˈdɑːrknəs
n. the absence of light; a state of being dark
n. a lack of understanding or knowledge
n. a quality of being morally corrupt or evil
The word "darkness" originates from Old English deorc (dark) + the suffix -nes (used to form abstract nouns). The root deorc is of Germanic origin, related to Old High German tarchanjan (to hide) and Old Norse dökkr (dark). The suffix -ness is a productive Old English morpheme still widely used to denote states or conditions (e.g., "happiness," "kindness"). Over time, "darkness" evolved from a literal description of light absence to metaphorical uses (e.g., ignorance, evil).
The darkness of the forest made it hard to see the path.
His lies plunged their relationship into darkness.
She feared the darkness of the unknown future.
The room was engulfed in complete darkness after the power outage.
Scientists study the darkness of space to understand the universe.