penumbra
a partial shadow at the edge of a fully shaded area, or a less clear or definite part of something
Word origin: From Latin paene (almost) and umbra (shadow).
Penumbra in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing penumbra in a sentence.
The legislation existed in the penumbra of constitutional law, neither clearly permitted nor forbidden.
The court located the right within a penumbra of guarantees implied, though not stated, by the constitution.
Using “penumbra” well
Penumbra is literally the partial shadow at an eclipse's edge; figuratively it names a zone of uncertainty surrounding a clearer core.
More GRE words starting with P
to calm or soothe someone who is angry or agitated
a song or expression of joyful praise or triumph
done with careful and thorough effort
agreeable to the taste or acceptable to the mind
resembling a palace in size or grandeur
rebirth, regeneration, or renewal into a new existence
to ease the severity of something without curing it
pale or lacking vitality and color
Questions about “penumbra”
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