Meaning & use
the dark arts
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Meanings
nounpluralliterary
Magic that is believed to be evil or used for harmful purposes.
Grammar: Always used with 'the' and a plural verb: the dark arts are dangerous.
Patterns
- practice the dark arts
- study the dark arts
In the story, the wizard was tempted to use the dark arts.
Villagers believed she practiced the dark arts at night.
The dark arts were forbidden by the kingdom's laws.
nounpluralfigurativedisapproving
Secret or dishonest methods used to achieve something, especially in business or politics.
Grammar: Used figuratively, often disapproving: they used the dark arts of lobbying.
Patterns
- use the dark arts
- the dark arts of something
The company was accused of using the dark arts of accounting to hide losses.
He mastered the dark arts of political manipulation.
Some call public relations the dark arts of modern business.
Common combinations
- practice the dark arts
- The sorcerer was said to practice the dark arts.
- use the dark arts
- They used the dark arts of marketing to mislead customers.
- the dark arts of something
- She knew the dark arts of negotiation.
- forbidden dark arts
- The forbidden dark arts were kept in a locked book.
Synonyms and how they differ
- black magic
- Similar but more direct; it always refers to evil magic, not figurative tricks.
- sorcery
- A general word for magic, often neutral; 'the dark arts' implies evil.
Opposites
Word family
- dark adjective
- Having little or no light; also meaning evil or mysterious.
- art noun
- A skill or craft, especially creative work.
Commonly confused: the dark arts or the dark ages?
the dark arts vs the dark ages
A historical period in Europe, not related to magic.
Practice
In fantasy stories, what does 'the dark arts' refer to?
Choose one answer.
'The dark arts' refers to evil or harmful magic. The other options are not related to the term.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the dark arts”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.