Dark Ages

noun

the period in European history from about a.d. 476 to about 1000.
the whole of the Middle Ages, from about a.d. 476 to the Renaissance.
(often lowercase) a period or stage marked by repressiveness, a lack of enlightenment or advanced knowledge, etc.

Dark Ages

the period from about the late 5th century ad to about 1000 ad , once considered an unenlightened period
(occasionally) the whole medieval period

Dark Ages

A term sometimes applied to the early Middle Ages , the first few centuries after the Fall of Rome . The term suggests prevailing ignorance and barbarism, but there were forces for culture and enlightenment throughout the period.

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First recorded in 1720–30

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How does Dark Ages compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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But 15 years after Napster, we are still in the Dark Ages of online music.

These new dark ages stem from a corrupt and decaying power system—a reflection of the state of affairs in the country itself.

These not-so-very-dark ages fostered intellectual and cultural forces that themselves led to the Reformation.

Back in the Dark Ages, Islam kept the flame of classical Greek science going.

I know, it feels like we're riding an exciting wave away from the moral dark ages and into the bright, judgement free future.

All this sounds like a chapter from the dark ages, of long, long ago, and we do not deem such things possible now.

This type became more and more rigid and austere as the gathering shadows of the Dark Ages mantled on the minds of men.

In the dark ages of the past, he had been a creature of derision, a thing to be bandied about in trade or gift.

Military coercion prolonged chattel slavery, and by so doing brought what is known as the dark ages upon the world.

Besides, they have to know about your ancestors back to the Dark Ages, don't they, or else they 'cancel' you?

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