mindmap root((黑暗)) dark the general term, implies utter or virtual lack of illumination: a ~ cave. dim suggests too weak a light for things to be clearly visible: a clandestine meeting in a ~ bar. dusky suggests deep twilight and a close approach to darkness: trudging through ~ woods at day's end. murky implies a heavy obscuring darkness such as that caused by smoke, fog, or dust in air or mud in water: fish cannot live in the river's ~ waters. gloomy implies serious interference with the normal radiation of light and connotes cheerlessness and pessimism: a ~ room in the basement of the house.