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 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

They stuck to the quiet, shadowy bit underneath the slide, where they talked about their favorite metal bands.

From Literature

He had re-emerged as a shadowy, well-connected person on Wall Street.

From The Wall Street Journal

The shadowy and hazy reflections emanating from them, though merely photons, evoke the occult.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dark
• ghostly
• shady