French translation of darkness is 
ténèbres

Meaning of "darkness" in English

In English, "darkness" refers to the absence of light, which creates a state of obscurity and limited visibility. It can be used both literally, to describe a physical low-light condition, and metaphorically, to evoke feelings of fear, mystery, or the unknown. Darkness often symbolizes negative emotions or situations such as sadness, ignorance, or evil. Furthermore, it's used in storytelling and art to set a mood, cultivate suspense, or highlight contrasts with light. This versatile term allows for rich expressions in both everyday language and dramatic narratives.

Meaning of "ténèbres" in French

In French, "ténèbres" typically carries a more poetic or enigmatic connotation than its English counterpart. It signifies profound darkness and is often associated with a sense of mystery or foreboding. "Ténèbres" is frequently used in literature, religious contexts, and art to symbolize chaos, ignorance, and the unknown. The term can evoke emotions of fear and uncertainty, making it a powerful word in storytelling. Unlike "obscurité", which refers more to a physical lack of light, "ténèbres" tends to suggest a deeper, more abstract form of darkness.

Pronunciation of "darkness" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈdɑːrk.nəs/

Pronunciation Variations: In British English, the 'r' is softer and almost silent, whereas in American English, it is more pronounced. Certain regional accents might elongate the vowel sounds or change the emphasis slightly, but the overall pronunciation remains largely consistent across English-speaking regions.

Pronunciation of "ténèbres" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /te.nɛbʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: French regional dialects may influence pronunciation minimally, mostly in the articulation of the 'r.' In some areas, the 'r' may be slightly rolled, while in others, it retains a softer sound. However, these variations are subtle and generally do not alter the word significantly.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The darkness in the room was overwhelming. (La ténèbre dans la pièce était accablante.)
2. She feared the darkness of the forest at night. (Elle craignait la ténèbre de la forêt la nuit.)
3. As the sun set, darkness fell over the city. (Au coucher du soleil, les ténèbres tombèrent sur la ville.)
4. Darkness symbolizes mystery and the unknown. (Les ténèbres symbolisent le mystère et l'inconnu.)
5. He stepped into the darkness without hesitation. (Il entra dans les ténèbres sans hésitation.)
6. The story unfolds in a world of darkness and light. (L'histoire se déroule dans un monde de ténèbres et de lumière.)
7. Darkness added to the sense of danger. (Les ténèbres ajoutaient au sentiment de danger.)
8. Her dreams were haunted by endless darkness. (Ses rêves étaient hantés par d'infinies ténèbres.)
9. Darkness can be comforting in its own way. (Les ténèbres peuvent être réconfortantes à leur manière.)
10. The painting was a study in light and darkness. (La peinture était une étude de la lumière et des ténèbres.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "darkness" in English

Synonyms: gloom, obscurity, shadow, night, murk, dimness, dusk, tenebrosity, blackness, gloominess.

Antonyms: light, brightness, clarity, illumination, radiance, sunshine, brilliance, glow, day, daylight.

Similar Words: shade, twilight, obscureness, shadowiness, murkiness, crepuscule.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "ténèbres" in French

Synonyms: obscurité, noirceur, ombre, nuit, obscurcissement, sombreur, pénombre.

Antonyms: lumière, clarté, éclairage, éclat, illumination, jour.

Similar Words: obscurité, ombre, crépuscule, brouillard, nuit, noirceur.

Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.