shadowy

[ shad-oh-ee ]

adjective

, shad·ow·i·er, shad·ow·i·est.

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.

shadowy

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈshadowiness, noun

Other Words From

• shadow·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadowy¹

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

Example Sentences

It all percolates in the shadowy urban allure of Paul Guilhaume’s cinematography, especially as it plays across its leading ladies’ faces, turning skin into a mood palette, burnishing all the musical interludes.

From Los Angeles Times

To love a Scorpio, then, is to fiercely protect their softness with the same shadowy ardor that they use to construct their inner adamantine fortresses.

From Los Angeles Times

The question of Mahesh’s business is so far in the background, except as a shadowy motivating force, or a threat to stability, that it barely exists at all.

From Los Angeles Times

These users shared the belief that Hurricane Milton, one of the strongest storms in recent US history, was purposefully created by shadowy forces at the heart of US politics.

From BBC

Now the close ally of former President Donald Trump is again claiming a shadowy cabal — not climate change — is to blame for extreme weather events.

From Salon

Related Words

• dark
• ghostly
• shady