shadow

 
Pronunciation: /ˈʃadəʊ/

noun

  • 1a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface: trees cast long shadows
  • [mass noun] partial or complete darkness, especially as produced in this way: the north side of the cathedral was deep in shadow (shadows) a stranger slowly approached from the shadows
  • [mass noun] the shaded part of a picture.
  • a dark patch or area on a surface: her face was pale and there were shadows under her eyes
  • a region of opacity on a radiograph: shadows on his lungs
  • 2used in reference to proximity, ominous oppressiveness, or sadness and gloom: the shadow of war fell across Europe only one shadow lay over Sally’s life
  • used in reference to something insubstantial or fleeting: a freedom that was more shadow than substance
  • used in reference to a position of relative inferiority or obscurity: he lived in the shadow of his father
  • [with negative] the slightest trace of something: she knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was lying
  • a weak or inferior remnant or version of something: this fine-looking, commanding man had become a shadow of his former self
  • an expression of perplexity or sadness: a shadow crossed Maria’s face
  • 3an inseparable attendant or companion: her faithful shadow, a Yorkshire terrier called Heathcliffe
  • a person secretly following and observing another: no matter where Johnson went, his shadow stayed with him
  • a person that accompanies someone in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job.
  • [usually as modifier] British the opposition counterpart of a government minister or ministry: the shadow Chancellor

verb

[with object]
  • 1envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over: the market is shadowed by St Margaret’s church a hood shadowed her face
  • 2follow and observe (someone) closely and secretly: he had been up all night shadowing a team of poachers
  • British (of an opposition politician) be the counterpart of (a government minister or a ministry): he formerly helped to shadow the Foreign Office
  • accompany (someone) in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job: the placement might involve shadowing a manager

Phrases

be frightened of one's shadow

be very timid or nervous.

wear oneself to a shadow

completely exhaust oneself through overwork.

Derivatives

shadower

noun

shadowless

adjective

Origin:

Old English scead(u)we (noun), oblique case of sceadu (see shade), sceadwian 'screen or shield from attack', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schaduw and German Schatten (nouns), from an Indo-European root shared by Greek skotos 'darkness'