darkness

Definition

The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light.

Etymology

From Middle English derknesse, from Old English deorcnes; equivalent to dark + -ness.

Example Sentences

• "The darkness of the room made it difficult to see."
• "Over everything was darkness and thick silence, and the smell of dust and sunflowers."
• "Turning back, then, toward the basement staircase, she began to grope her way through blinding darkness, but had taken only a few uncertain steps when, of a sudden, she stopped short and for a little stood like a stricken thing, quite motionless save that she quaked to her very marrow in the grasp of a great and enervating fear."