cast shadow

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A dark shape made on a surface when an object blocks light from a source.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a cast shadow' or 'cast shadows'.

   Patterns

   • cast a shadow
   • cast shadows
   • the cast shadow of something

   The tree cast a long shadow across the lawn.

   In the photograph, the cast shadow of the fence fell on the wall.

   The artist painted the cast shadow carefully to show the direction of the light.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In art and photography, the shadow that one object throws onto another surface or object.

   Grammar: Often used when talking about light and form in drawing or photography.

   Patterns

   • cast shadow and form shadow
   • the cast shadow falls on something

   A cast shadow helps show where the light is coming from.

   She studied the cast shadow on the model's face before starting to draw.

Word forms

Common combinations

cast a shadow

The building cast a shadow over the park.

long cast shadow

In the evening, the trees make long cast shadows.

cast shadow of something

The cast shadow of the chair was visible on the floor.

harsh cast shadow

The strong sunlight created harsh cast shadows.

Synonyms and how they differ

shadow

A general word for any dark area; 'cast shadow' is more specific and often used in art or science.

shade

Shade is a larger area of darkness, often giving relief from sun; a cast shadow is the shape of a specific object.

Word family

shadow noun

A dark area or shape made by an object blocking light.

shadowy adjective

Full of shadows; dark and unclear.

Commonly confused: cast shadow or form shadow?

Practice

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