shadow
UK: ˈʃædəʊ | US: ˈʃædoʊ
n. a dark area or shape produced by an object blocking light
n. a faint or slight trace of something
vt. to follow and observe someone secretly
The word "shadow" originates from Old English sceadwe, derived from Proto-Germanic skadwaz, meaning "shade" or "darkness." The root shad- is linked to concepts of covering or blocking light, while the suffix -ow (modern -ow or -ow) functions as a noun-forming element. Over time, the word evolved to denote both the literal dark shape cast by an object and metaphorical traces or secrecy.
The tree cast a long shadow across the lawn in the evening.
She noticed a shadow of doubt in his eyes.
The detective shadowed the suspect for days.
His past mistakes left a shadow on his reputation.
The mountains were just a shadow in the distance at dusk.