shadow

Everyday

1. A shadow is a dark shape made on a surface when something blocks the light. tree →
2. Shadow is an area of darkness where light does not reach. tree →
3. To shadow someone is to follow them closely, often to learn their job. tree →
4. A shadow can also be a person who follows someone everywhere, staying close to them. tree →

In the lessons

In science, shadows form because light travels in straight lines and cannot pass through opaque objects. Shadows are long in the morning and evening when the Sun is low and short at midday when it is high; the shadow is always on the side away from the light. Phrases: «in the shadow of», «without a shadow of a doubt» (completely sure), «afraid of your own shadow» (very timid).

Examples

• My shadow follows me on a sunny day. tree →
• At noon our shadows are short. tree →
• We made animal shadows with our hands. tree →
• The cat sat in the shadow of the tree. tree →
• A shadow forms when light is blocked. tree →
• Shadows are longer in the evening. tree →
• The new pupil shadowed a buddy on her first day. tree →
• Without a shadow of a doubt, she is the fastest runner. tree →
• Will you go with me, as shadow? tree →

Note

Countable: a shadow, shadows. Do not confuse «shadow» with «shade»: shade is a cool area out of the sun (sit in the shade); a shadow is the dark shape of a particular thing. Transparent things (clear glass) make almost no shadow.

In Jewish tradition

A shadow stands for protection, as in the shadow of God's wings, and for something that quickly passes, as in "my days are like a lengthening shadow." "The shadow of death" is a figure for deep darkness, danger and the gloom of the grave.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the passing shadow as a reminder that human life is short, and the "shadow of death" in Psalms as the dark valley where God is still near.

Examples

• The Twenty-second Path is the Faithful Intelligence, and is so called because by it spiritual virtues are increased, and all dwellers on earth are nearly under its shadow. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →
• The Twenty-second Path is the Faithful Intelligence and is so called because by it spiritual virtues are increased, and all dwellers on earth are nearly under its shadow. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Or hast thou seen the gates of the shadow of death? (Writings JOB.38.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• My days are like a lengthening shadow; and I am withered like grass. (Writings PSA.102.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• My face is reddened with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death; (Writings JOB.16.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a shadow, shadows. Do not confuse «shadow» with «shade»: shade is a cool area out of the sun (sit in the shade); a shadow is the dark shape of a particular thing. Transparent things (clear glass) make almost no shadow.