Similes for Dark with Explanation and Examples

Similes are figures of speech that compare two different things using the words “like” or “as.” They help readers clearly imagine what something looks or feels like by connecting it to something familiar. Instead of simply saying something is dark, a simile creates a stronger and more vivid image.

Using similes instead of the word dark makes writing more expressive and powerful. Rather than repeating the same adjective, you can describe the depth, mystery, or intensity of darkness in creative ways. This makes stories, poems, and essays more engaging for both students and educators.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Using Similes for Dark

Creates vivid imagery: Readers can clearly picture how deep or intense the darkness is.
Adds emotion and mood: Darkness can feel peaceful, scary, mysterious, or dramatic, and similes help express that mood.
Improves creativity: Writers expand their vocabulary and descriptive skills.
Avoids repetition: Instead of using “dark” repeatedly, you use fresh comparisons.
Strengthens storytelling: Scenes feel more alive and realistic.

Why Similes for Dark Are Important?

Similes for dark are important because they help writers describe nighttime scenes, shadows, emotions, and even colors more effectively. Whether you are writing a suspenseful story, a calm evening scene, or a dramatic poem, similes allow you to communicate atmosphere clearly. They also help young learners understand figurative language in a simple and enjoyable way.

As Dark As

1. As dark as night

Explanation: This simile compares something to nighttime when there is little or no light, emphasizing deep and complete darkness.

Examples:

The room was as dark as night, and we had to turn on a flashlight.
His jacket looked as dark as night, so it blended into the shadows.
The cave appeared as dark as night, and we stepped carefully inside.
The sky turned as dark as night, and the storm quickly followed.
Her hair was as dark as night, and it shone under the light.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as night in here.” “Let’s switch on the lights before we trip.”

2. As dark as coal

Explanation: Coal is naturally black and solid, so this simile highlights deep black color.

Examples:

The puppy’s fur was as dark as coal, and it looked glossy.
The sky grew as dark as coal, so we hurried home.
His boots were as dark as coal, and they matched his coat.
The tunnel seemed as dark as coal, and it felt mysterious.
Her eyes appeared as dark as coal, and they sparkled gently.

Best Use: “Your hair is as dark as coal.” “Yes, and it shines in the sunlight.”

3. As dark as a cave

Explanation: Caves often lack natural light, so this simile emphasizes thick and enclosed darkness.

Examples:

The basement was as dark as a cave, so we used a torch.
The hallway looked as dark as a cave, and it felt quiet.
The forest grew as dark as a cave, and the sounds became louder.
His closet was as dark as a cave, and nothing was visible.
The attic appeared as dark as a cave, and it felt chilly.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a cave down here.” “Stay close, and don’t wander off.”

4. As dark as ink

Explanation: Ink, especially black ink, is rich and deep in color. This simile shows strong, bold darkness.

Examples:

The night sky looked as dark as ink, and the stars shone brightly.
Her hair was as dark as ink, and it framed her face beautifully.
The river appeared as dark as ink, and it reflected the moon.
The clouds grew as dark as ink, so rain began to fall.
His coat seemed as dark as ink, and it suited him well.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as ink tonight.” “Yes, and the stars look brighter than ever.”

5. As dark as a shadow

Explanation: Shadows form where light is blocked, so this simile suggests soft but noticeable darkness.

Examples:

The corner of the room was as dark as a shadow, and it felt cool.
His cape looked as dark as a shadow, and it moved silently.
The forest path became as dark as a shadow, so we walked carefully.
Her cloak was as dark as a shadow, and it flowed behind her.
The alley seemed as dark as a shadow, and it felt mysterious.

Best Use: “That alley is as dark as a shadow.” “Let’s take the brighter road instead.”

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6. As dark as midnight

Explanation: Midnight is the deepest part of the night, so this simile emphasizes complete and intense darkness.

Examples:

The sky turned as dark as midnight, and the moon slowly appeared.
His cloak was as dark as midnight, so it blended into the night air.
The forest looked as dark as midnight, and every sound felt louder.
Her hair shone as dark as midnight, and it framed her face beautifully.
The empty street was as dark as midnight, and it felt peaceful yet mysterious.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as midnight outside.” “Yes, and the stars look brighter because of it.”

7. As dark as a storm cloud

Explanation: Storm clouds gather thick and heavy in the sky, so this simile suggests darkness mixed with tension or drama.

Examples:

The sky grew as dark as a storm cloud, and thunder rumbled in the distance.
His expression turned as dark as a storm cloud, so we knew he was upset.
The afternoon became as dark as a storm cloud, and the wind picked up.
Her coat looked as dark as a storm cloud, and it suited the rainy day.
The mood in the room felt as dark as a storm cloud, yet no one spoke.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as a storm cloud.” “We should head inside before it rains.”

8. As dark as charcoal

Explanation: Charcoal has a deep gray-black tone, so this simile describes strong and noticeable darkness.

Examples:

The artist used paint as dark as charcoal, and it added depth to the picture.
His shoes were as dark as charcoal, so they matched his suit.
The night appeared as dark as charcoal, and the air felt cool.
Her hair looked as dark as charcoal, and it shone softly.
The cave walls were as dark as charcoal, and they felt rough to the touch.

Best Use: “That jacket is as dark as charcoal.” “Yes, and it looks very stylish.”

9. As dark as the ocean at night

Explanation: The ocean at night reflects very little light, so this simile suggests deep and endless darkness.

Examples:

The water looked as dark as the ocean at night, and it seemed mysterious.
His eyes were as dark as the ocean at night, and they held a quiet depth.
The horizon turned as dark as the ocean at night, so the boats disappeared.
The forest felt as dark as the ocean at night, and it seemed endless.
Her long coat flowed as dark as the ocean at night, and it moved smoothly.

Best Use: “The sea is as dark as the ocean at night.” “Yes, and it feels calm yet powerful.”

10. As dark as a moonless sky

Explanation: A moonless sky lacks natural light, so this simile highlights thick and silent darkness.

Examples:

The countryside was as dark as a moonless sky, and no lights were visible.
His cloak looked as dark as a moonless sky, and it hid him well.
The path ahead seemed as dark as a moonless sky, so we slowed down.
Her eyes appeared as dark as a moonless sky, and they sparkled faintly.
The valley turned as dark as a moonless sky, and it felt quiet.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a moonless sky tonight.” “Yes, we should carry a lantern.”

11. As dark as black velvet

Explanation: Black velvet has a rich and soft darkness, so this simile suggests smooth and luxurious depth.

Examples:

The curtains were as dark as black velvet, and they blocked the light completely.
Her dress looked as dark as black velvet, and it shimmered slightly.
The sky stretched as dark as black velvet, yet the stars sparkled.
His coat appeared as dark as black velvet, and it looked elegant.
The night felt as dark as black velvet, and it wrapped around us quietly.

Best Use: “The sky looks as dark as black velvet.” “Yes, and it feels so calm tonight.”

12. As dark as soot

Explanation: Soot is powdery and deeply black, so this simile emphasizes strong and dusty darkness.

Examples:

The chimney was as dark as soot, and it needed cleaning.
His hands became as dark as soot, because he worked near the fire.
The old wall looked as dark as soot, and it showed signs of smoke.
The cave ceiling appeared as dark as soot, so it felt heavy above us.
The clouds gathered as dark as soot, and rain began to fall.

Best Use: “Your shirt is as dark as soot now.” “I guess working outside made it dirty.”

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13. As dark as a raven’s feather

Explanation: A raven’s feather is known for its deep, glossy black color. This simile highlights rich, natural darkness with a slight shine.

Examples:

Her hair was as dark as a raven’s feather, and it shimmered in the sunlight.
The cloak looked as dark as a raven’s feather, so it flowed dramatically.
The sky turned as dark as a raven’s feather, and the wind grew colder.
His eyes appeared as dark as a raven’s feather, and they seemed thoughtful.
The horse’s mane shone as dark as a raven’s feather, and it looked majestic.

Best Use: “Her hair is as dark as a raven’s feather.” “Yes, and it shines beautifully.”

14. As dark as a tunnel

Explanation: Tunnels often block out natural light, so this simile suggests enclosed and heavy darkness.

Examples:

The hallway felt as dark as a tunnel, and we walked slowly.
His jacket looked as dark as a tunnel, so it matched the evening sky.
The basement became as dark as a tunnel, because the power went out.
The cave entrance seemed as dark as a tunnel, and it felt chilly.
The forest path appeared as dark as a tunnel, yet we continued carefully.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a tunnel in here.” “Let’s find a light switch quickly.”

15. As dark as burnt wood

Explanation: Burnt wood turns deep black after fire, so this simile emphasizes intense and solid darkness.

Examples:

The logs were as dark as burnt wood, and they crumbled easily.
His boots looked as dark as burnt wood, so they stood out against the snow.
The sky grew as dark as burnt wood, and smoke filled the air.
Her scarf appeared as dark as burnt wood, and it kept her warm.
The rocks seemed as dark as burnt wood, because they were covered in ash.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as burnt wood.” “Yes, it looks like a storm is coming.”

16. As dark as a closed door

Explanation: A closed door can block light completely, so this simile suggests sudden or complete darkness.

Examples:

The room became as dark as a closed door, when the lights went out.
His mood turned as dark as a closed door, and he stayed quiet.
The closet looked as dark as a closed door, so we couldn’t see inside.
The hallway felt as dark as a closed door, yet we moved forward.
The attic seemed as dark as a closed door, and it felt mysterious.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a closed door in here.” “Open the curtains and let some light in.”

17. As dark as a bat’s cave

Explanation: Bats live in caves where sunlight rarely enters, so this simile emphasizes deep, hidden darkness.

Examples:

The cavern was as dark as a bat’s cave, and we heard echoes.
His coat looked as dark as a bat’s cave, and it suited the night.
The alley appeared as dark as a bat’s cave, so we stayed cautious.
The forest felt as dark as a bat’s cave, and it seemed endless.
The old shed was as dark as a bat’s cave, because no windows were open.

Best Use: “That place is as dark as a bat’s cave.” “Let’s not go in without a flashlight.”

18. As dark as spilled ink

Explanation: Spilled ink spreads thickly and deeply, so this simile describes spreading or heavy darkness.

Examples:

The clouds spread as dark as spilled ink, and the rain soon followed.
Her hair flowed as dark as spilled ink, and it looked silky.
The night sky stretched as dark as spilled ink, yet the stars shone.
The river looked as dark as spilled ink, because the moon was hidden.
His coat appeared as dark as spilled ink, and it absorbed the light.

Best Use: “The sky looks as dark as spilled ink.” “Yes, it’s going to rain soon.”

19. As dark as a shadowed forest

Explanation: A forest with thick trees can block sunlight, so this simile suggests natural and layered darkness.

Examples:

The woods were as dark as a shadowed forest, and we heard leaves rustling.
His expression turned as dark as a shadowed forest, so we grew concerned.
The valley appeared as dark as a shadowed forest, and mist covered it.
Her long cloak seemed as dark as a shadowed forest, and it moved quietly.
The evening felt as dark as a shadowed forest, yet it was peaceful.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a shadowed forest outside.” “Yes, the trees block all the light.”

20. As dark as thunderclouds

Explanation: Thunderclouds are thick and heavy, so this simile conveys dramatic and intense darkness.

Examples:

The sky turned as dark as thunderclouds, and lightning flashed suddenly.
His eyes looked as dark as thunderclouds, because he was upset.
The afternoon grew as dark as thunderclouds, and the wind howled loudly.
Her coat appeared as dark as thunderclouds, and it matched the stormy day.
The sea looked as dark as thunderclouds, and the waves crashed strongly.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as thunderclouds.” “We should get inside before the storm begins.”

This brings us to 20 in this section (1–20 already covered earlier).

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21. As dark as a black cat in the night

Explanation: A black cat can almost disappear in the night, so this simile emphasizes hidden and blending darkness.

Examples:

The alley was as dark as a black cat in the night, and we could barely see ahead.
His jacket looked as dark as a black cat in the night, so it blended in.
The garden appeared as dark as a black cat in the night, yet we walked carefully.
Her hair flowed as dark as a black cat in the night, and it shone softly.
The street turned as dark as a black cat in the night, because the lights went out.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a black cat in the night out there.” “Yes, we should carry a torch.”

22. As dark as the inside of a cupboard

Explanation: A closed cupboard blocks out light completely, so this simile suggests tight and enclosed darkness.

Examples:

The small room was as dark as the inside of a cupboard, and it felt stuffy.
The closet looked as dark as the inside of a cupboard, so we opened the door quickly.
The attic appeared as dark as the inside of a cupboard, and dust floated in the air.
His coat seemed as dark as the inside of a cupboard, and it absorbed the light.
The basement felt as dark as the inside of a cupboard, yet we continued searching.

Best Use: “This place is as dark as the inside of a cupboard.” “Let’s turn on a light before we move.”

23. As dark as black paint

Explanation: Black paint is bold and solid in color, so this simile highlights strong and noticeable darkness.

Examples:

The wall was as dark as black paint, and it made the room look smaller.
Her boots looked as dark as black paint, so they matched her outfit.
The sky turned as dark as black paint, and rain began to fall.
His hat appeared as dark as black paint, and it stood out sharply.
The lake seemed as dark as black paint, because clouds covered the moon.

Best Use: “The sky looks as dark as black paint.” “Yes, the storm is almost here.”

24. As dark as a deep well

Explanation: A deep well often has very little light at the bottom, so this simile suggests depth and mystery.

Examples:

The cave felt as dark as a deep well, and echoes bounced around.
His eyes looked as dark as a deep well, and they seemed thoughtful.
The night appeared as dark as a deep well, yet it was peaceful.
The forest path became as dark as a deep well, so we slowed down.
The old tunnel was as dark as a deep well, and it felt endless.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a deep well down there.” “Be careful where you step.”

25. As dark as a shadow at dusk

Explanation: Shadows grow longer and darker at dusk, so this simile expresses fading light and growing dimness.

Examples:

The garden grew as dark as a shadow at dusk, and birds stopped singing.
Her cloak looked as dark as a shadow at dusk, so it flowed softly.
The sky became as dark as a shadow at dusk, yet the air felt calm.
His expression seemed as dark as a shadow at dusk, and he stayed quiet.
The valley appeared as dark as a shadow at dusk, and mist settled in.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a shadow at dusk.” “Yes, evening has fully arrived.”

26. As dark as black coffee

Explanation: Black coffee has a rich, deep tone, so this simile suggests smooth yet intense darkness.

Examples:

His eyes were as dark as black coffee, and they looked serious.
The sky turned as dark as black coffee, and stars began to appear.
Her hair shone as dark as black coffee, and it framed her face.
The river looked as dark as black coffee, because the moon was hidden.
His coat appeared as dark as black coffee, and it suited the evening.

Best Use: “Your hair is as dark as black coffee.” “Yes, and it shines in the sunlight.”

27. As dark as a pirate’s flag

Explanation: A pirate’s flag is traditionally black, so this simile suggests bold and dramatic darkness.

Examples:

The banner waved as dark as a pirate’s flag, and it caught everyone’s eye.
His jacket looked as dark as a pirate’s flag, so it stood out boldly.
The sky appeared as dark as a pirate’s flag, and thunder rolled.
Her long coat flowed as dark as a pirate’s flag, and it looked dramatic.
The sea turned as dark as a pirate’s flag, because the storm grew stronger.

Best Use: “That coat is as dark as a pirate’s flag.” “Yes, it gives a bold look.”

28. As dark as a moonlit shadow

Explanation: Even in moonlight, shadows remain dark, so this simile expresses soft but deep nighttime darkness.

Examples:

The garden seemed as dark as a moonlit shadow, and it felt peaceful.
His cloak appeared as dark as a moonlit shadow, and it moved quietly.
The forest path was as dark as a moonlit shadow, yet we followed it.
Her eyes looked as dark as a moonlit shadow, and they sparkled faintly.
The lake lay as dark as a moonlit shadow, reflecting the stars.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a moonlit shadow tonight.” “Yes, but it’s still beautiful.”

29. As dark as volcanic rock

Explanation: Volcanic rock is often deep black and solid, so this simile highlights natural and powerful darkness.

Examples:

The stones were as dark as volcanic rock, and they felt rough.
His boots looked as dark as volcanic rock, so they appeared sturdy.
The sky turned as dark as volcanic rock, and smoke filled the air.
Her coat seemed as dark as volcanic rock, and it looked strong.
The cave walls were as dark as volcanic rock, and they felt ancient.

Best Use: “The ground is as dark as volcanic rock.” “Yes, it looks very solid and strong.”

30. As dark as the far side of the moon

Explanation: The far side of the moon is often imagined as unseen and shadowed, so this simile suggests mystery and depth.

Examples:

The valley looked as dark as the far side of the moon, and it felt silent.
His expression grew as dark as the far side of the moon, so we became concerned.
The sky appeared as dark as the far side of the moon, and stars shimmered.
Her long hair flowed as dark as the far side of the moon, and it shone softly.
The sea turned as dark as the far side of the moon, because the clouds hid the light.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as the far side of the moon out there.” “Yes, it feels mysterious and calm.”

This now completes 1–30 in this continuation thread and fully extends the list deeply.

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Continuing smoothly from 30, here are 31–40 in the same detailed format:

31. As dark as a sealed cave

Explanation: A sealed cave blocks out all sunlight, so this simile suggests complete and heavy darkness.

Examples:

The tunnel was as dark as a sealed cave, and we couldn’t see our hands.
The basement felt as dark as a sealed cave, so we switched on a flashlight.
The room became as dark as a sealed cave when the power went out.
His coat looked as dark as a sealed cave, absorbing every bit of light.
The forest turned as dark as a sealed cave after sunset.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a sealed cave in here.” “Let’s open a window or turn on a light.”

32. As dark as storm clouds

Explanation: Storm clouds are thick and shadowy, so this simile expresses looming and dramatic darkness.

Examples:

The sky grew as dark as storm clouds before the rain began.
His mood turned as dark as storm clouds during the argument.
The horizon looked as dark as storm clouds, warning us of thunder.
Her eyes appeared as dark as storm clouds when she was upset.
The afternoon became as dark as storm clouds in minutes.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as storm clouds.” “Yes, we should head inside.”

33. As dark as a crow’s feather

Explanation: A crow’s feather is sleek and black, so this simile suggests smooth and glossy darkness.

Examples:

Her hair was as dark as a crow’s feather and shone in the light.
The coat looked as dark as a crow’s feather against the snow.
The night sky seemed as dark as a crow’s feather without stars.
His shoes were as dark as a crow’s feather and neatly polished.
The river appeared as dark as a crow’s feather under the bridge.

Best Use: “Your hair is as dark as a crow’s feather.” “Yes, and it shines beautifully.”

34. As dark as midnight oil

Explanation: Midnight oil refers to late-night darkness, often linked with quiet and stillness.

Examples:

The room was as dark as midnight oil while everyone slept.
The sky turned as dark as midnight oil before the stars appeared.
His jacket looked as dark as midnight oil under the streetlights.
The road seemed as dark as midnight oil beyond the town.
The ocean stretched out as dark as midnight oil at night.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as midnight oil outside.” “Yes, it’s very late now.”

35. As dark as a raven’s wing

Explanation: A raven’s wing is deep black and slightly glossy, symbolizing rich natural darkness.

Examples:

Her hair flowed as dark as a raven’s wing in the breeze.
The cape looked as dark as a raven’s wing against the snow.
The sky was as dark as a raven’s wing before dawn.
His cloak seemed as dark as a raven’s wing in the dim light.
The lake appeared as dark as a raven’s wing at night.

Best Use: “That fabric is as dark as a raven’s wing.” “It gives a dramatic look.”

36. As dark as a closed theater

Explanation: A closed theater is completely unlit, so this simile expresses indoor, silent darkness.

Examples:

The hall was as dark as a closed theater after the show.
The classroom became as dark as a closed theater when the lights went off.
The corridor felt as dark as a closed theater late at night.
The building looked as dark as a closed theater from outside.
The attic seemed as dark as a closed theater until we opened the door.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as a closed theater in here.” “We need to switch on the lights.”

37. As dark as ink spilled on paper

Explanation: Spilled ink spreads thickly and boldly, symbolizing deep and spreading darkness.

Examples:

The sky spread as dark as ink spilled on paper before the storm.
His jacket looked as dark as ink spilled on paper.
The clouds gathered as dark as ink spilled on paper overhead.
The river appeared as dark as ink spilled on paper at dusk.
The room turned as dark as ink spilled on paper when night fell.

Best Use: “The sky is as dark as ink spilled on paper.” “Yes, the rain is coming.”

38. As dark as a hidden tunnel

Explanation: A hidden tunnel suggests secrecy and mystery along with heavy darkness.

Examples:

The cave felt as dark as a hidden tunnel deep underground.
The alley looked as dark as a hidden tunnel after sunset.
His expression grew as dark as a hidden tunnel during the discussion.
The forest path seemed as dark as a hidden tunnel at night.
The basement appeared as dark as a hidden tunnel without lights.

Best Use: “This path is as dark as a hidden tunnel.” “Let’s walk carefully.”

39. As dark as soot

Explanation: Soot is pitch black residue, so this simile emphasizes thick, intense darkness.

Examples:

His hands were as dark as soot after fixing the engine.
The chimney looked as dark as soot inside.
The sky turned as dark as soot before the storm.
Her boots appeared as dark as soot and shiny.
The walls seemed as dark as soot in the old house.

Best Use: “That stain is as dark as soot.” “Yes, it’s very deep black.”

40. As dark as the depths of space

Explanation: Outer space appears endlessly black, making this simile powerful and vast.

Examples:

The sky was as dark as the depths of space, filled with stars.
His eyes looked as dark as the depths of space, thoughtful and deep.
The ocean appeared as dark as the depths of space at night.
The valley seemed as dark as the depths of space after sunset.
Her cloak flowed as dark as the depths of space in the evening breeze.

Best Use: “It’s as dark as the depths of space tonight.” “Yes, and the stars shine brightly.”

Now the full list of 1–40 Similes for Dark is complete.

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FAQs and Conclusion

FAQs About Similes for Dark

1. What is a simile for dark?

A simile for dark is a comparison that describes darkness using the words “like” or “as.” For example, “as dark as night” compares something to the darkness of nighttime to make the description clearer and more vivid.

2. Why are similes for dark useful in writing?

They help readers imagine scenes more clearly. Instead of simply saying “it was dark,” a simile paints a stronger picture, adds emotion, and makes descriptions more engaging.

3. Can similes for dark describe emotions too?

Yes. Darkness is often used to describe feelings such as sadness, anger, mystery, or fear. For example, “his mood was as dark as storm clouds” suggests emotional heaviness.

4. Are similes for dark suitable for kids?

Absolutely. Many simple comparisons—like “as dark as night” or “as dark as a cave”—are easy for children to understand and use in school writing.

5. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile uses “like” or “as” to compare two things. A metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words. For example:

Simile: “The sky was as dark as ink.”
Metaphor: “The sky was ink.”

6. How can I create my own similes for dark?

Think of objects, places, or natural elements that are very black or shadowy—such as caves, ravens, soot, or space—and compare them using “as” or “like.” Make sure the comparison is clear and relatable.

7. Can similes for dark be used in creative storytelling?

Yes, they are especially powerful in stories, poems, and descriptive essays. They help build atmosphere, suspense, and mood.

Conclusion

Similes for dark make writing richer, more expressive, and more memorable. Instead of simply saying something is dark, you can compare it to caves, storm clouds, midnight skies, volcanic rock, or even the depths of space. These comparisons add emotion, imagery, and depth to your sentences.

Whether you’re a student improving your vocabulary, a teacher guiding creative writing, or a writer building atmosphere, using vivid comparisons helps bring your words to life. The key is to choose comparisons that match the mood you want to create—mysterious, dramatic, peaceful, or intense.