shadowy
UK: ˈʃædəʊi | US: ˈʃædoʊi
adj. 1. Full of or characterized by shadows; dim or faintly lit.
adj. 2. Mysterious, elusive, or difficult to perceive clearly.
adj. 3. Of questionable character or morality; shady.
The word "shadowy" combines "shadow," derived from Old English sceadwe (shade or darkness), with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives meaning "characterized by." The term evolved from literal darkness (e.g., "a shadowy forest") to figurative obscurity (e.g., "shadowy motives"), reflecting a progression from physical to abstract connotations.
The alley was shadowy, making it hard to see the path ahead.
Her past remained shadowy, with few details known to others.
The painting depicted a shadowy figure lurking in the background.
His shadowy dealings raised suspicions among the investigators.
Moonlight cast a shadowy glow over the abandoned house.