The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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shady

adjective

/ˈʃeɪ di/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shady

Of suspicion, doubt, or untrustworthiness.
"I saw some shady characters lurking around the alley last night."

Detailed meaning of shady

It characterizes situations, behaviors, or individuals that appear questionable, deceitful, or dishonest. When referring to a shady person, it suggests a lack of integrity, reliability, or transparency in their actions or motives. Similarly, a shady business practice or transaction implies unethical or illegal conduct, often involving hidden or dubious dealings. The term "shady" indicates an element of secrecy or concealment, casting doubt on the legitimacy or sincerity of the subject in question. It is a warning sign that prompts caution, encouraging one to be vigilant and wary of potential risks or deception.

Example sentences containing shady

1. The salesman's offer seemed too good to be true, so I suspected something shady.
2. Her shady behavior raised doubts about her trustworthiness.
3. We decided not to go into that shady neighborhood after hearing about the recent crimes.
4. The company's financial records revealed a series of shady transactions.
5. He had a shady past that made many people question his credibility.
6. The website's pop-up ads and shady links raised concerns about its legitimacy.

History and etymology of shady

The adjective 'shady' draws its etymological roots from the notion of darkness or obscurity. It evolved from the Old English word 'sceadig,' which meant 'shaded' or 'shadowed.' This term is linked to the Old English 'sceadu,' which signifies 'shadow' or 'shade.' Over time, 'shady' took on a figurative meaning related to areas or situations characterized by a lack of clarity or transparency. It began to describe things, individuals, or circumstances that were dubious, suspicious, or untrustworthy, much like something hidden in the shadows, where details are unclear and motives are concealed. In modern usage, 'shady' continues to convey a sense of suspicion, doubt, or a lack of trustworthiness, emphasizing its etymological connection to the shadowy and obscure.

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Further usage examples of shady

1. The politician's shady dealings were exposed by investigative journalists.
2. I received a shady email asking for personal information, so I deleted it.
3. The man's shifty eyes and nervous demeanor made him appear shady.
4. The restaurant had a shady reputation for serving low-quality food.
5. The real estate agent's shady tactics made us doubt the legitimacy of the property deal.
6. His shady dealings made him a target for investigation.
7. We avoided the shady character lurking in the alley.
8. The offer seemed a bit shady, so I declined.
9. Her past was shrouded in mystery, a shady history.
10. That business has a reputation for its shady practices.
11. I sensed something shady about his sudden wealth.
12. The abandoned house had a decidedly shady vibe.
13. His motives for helping felt somewhat shady.
14. The deal appeared too good to be true, a bit shady.
15. We entered the shady world of corporate espionage.
16. His constant evasiveness made him seem quite shady.
17. The alleyway was dimly lit and undeniably shady.
18. The scheme had all the hallmarks of a shady operation.
19. He had a shady reputation that preceded him.
20. The evidence against him was undeniably shady.
21. Her connections to the criminal underworld were shady.
22. The suspicious email looked like a shady scam.
23. The nightclub had a reputation for hosting shady clientele.
24. His involvement in the scandal appeared shady at best.
25. The detective delved into the case's shady details.