'shadow' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sceadu,' where 'sceadu' meant 'shade or darkness.'

'sceadu' transformed into the Middle English word 'schadowe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'shadow.'

Initially, it meant 'shade or darkness,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.'