shadowy

American  

[shad-oh-ee] / ˈʃæd oʊ i /

adjective

shadowier, shadowiest

1. resembling a shadow in faintness, slightness, etc..

   shadowy outlines.

2. unsubstantial, unreal, or illusory.

   shadowy preoccupations.

3. abounding in shadow; shady.

   a shadowy path.

4. enveloped in shadow.

5. casting a shadow.

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shadowy British  

/ ˈʃædəʊɪ /

adjective

1. full of shadows; dark; shady

2. resembling a shadow in faintness; vague

3. illusory or imaginary

4. mysterious or secretive

   a shadowy underworld figure

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Other Word Forms

• shadowiness noun

Etymology

Origin of shadowy

First recorded in 1325–75, shadowy is from the Middle English word shadewy. See shadow, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The sight of the moonlit barn, the shadowy oak, and the outline of Redhead Hill was a comfort.

From Literature

"These three men - and in particular Simon Spring - seem to be just living out their fantasies as enforcers of macho hard men who worked for shadowy organisations," said Roberts.

From BBC

As the train departs and shadowy London pinches smaller behind us, a chill prickles at the back of my neck.

From Literature

The world’s largest cash buyer of ships for scrap is setting its sights on the shadowy tankers that ferry illicit oil from Iran, Russia and Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal

Minutes later a dark, shadowy shape loomed ahead in the smoke, and as they got closer, they saw what it was.

From Literature

Related Words

• dark
• ghostly
• shady