dusky
UK: ˈdʌski | US: ˈdʌski
adj. somewhat dark in color; dim or shadowy
adj. having a dark or somber tone or mood
The word "dusky" combines "dusk," derived from Old English dox (dark-colored) and related to Old Norse dökk (darkness), with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives meaning "characterized by." Originally describing the dim light of twilight, "dusky" evolved to denote anything dark or shadowy in appearance or tone. The morphemes preserve the original spelling while clearly conveying the word’s connection to darkness.
The dusky sky signaled the approach of night.
She painted the landscape in dusky shades of blue and gray.
His voice had a dusky, melancholic quality.
The room was lit by a single dusky lamp.
Dusky shadows stretched across the forest floor.