shadowing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal in its core meaning; technical/specialized in its extended meanings (language acquisition, IT).
Quick answer
What does “shadowing” mean?
The act of following someone closely, typically to observe or monitor their activities, often without their knowledge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of following someone closely, typically to observe or monitor their activities, often without their knowledge.
A language learning technique involving immediate repetition of heard speech; in computing/technology, the duplication of data or processes for redundancy or training.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The term 'job shadowing' (work experience observation) is common in both.
Connotations
In security/police contexts, 'shadowing' often implies covert surveillance. In education/training, it implies authorized observation.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties for the core meaning. Slightly more frequent in UK professional contexts for training schemes.
Grammar
How to Use “shadowing” in a Sentence
shadowing of + [person/process]engage in shadowingdo some shadowing on + [topic/role]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shadowing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The detective spent the week shadowing the suspect.
- New recruits will shadow a senior manager for their first month.
American English
- The agent was shadowing the diplomat across the city.
- You should shadow an experienced colleague before running the project.
adverb
British English
- He followed her shadowingly through the crowded market. (rare, literary)
American English
- The bodyguard moved shadowingly behind his principal. (rare, literary)
adjective
British English
- She took part in a shadowing scheme at the local hospital.
- The shadowing exercise proved highly informative.
American English
- He completed a shadowing internship at the law firm.
- The shadowing component of the training is mandatory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Job shadowing is a common induction method for new employees.
Academic
The study used a shadowing methodology to observe managerial decision-making.
Everyday
I felt like I was shadowing my older brother all day, trying to keep up.
Technical
The system uses process shadowing to create a real-time backup.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shadowing”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shadowing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shadowing”
- Using 'shadowing' to mean 'making shady' (e.g., *'He is shadowing the truth').
- Confusing 'shadowing' (active following) with 'stalking' (which has menacing, illegal connotations).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Shadowing' is generally neutral or professional (e.g., training, police work). 'Stalking' implies obsessive, threatening, and often illegal pursuit.
Yes, specifically. 'Shadowing' is a technique where a learner repeats speech simultaneously or immediately after hearing it, focusing on pronunciation and rhythm.
'Shadowing' implies closer, more persistent, and often discreet following with a purpose (observation, learning). 'Following' is more general.
It is neutral but leans formal in professional/technical contexts. In everyday talk, 'following' or 'tagging along' might be more casual alternatives.
The act of following someone closely, typically to observe or monitor their activities, often without their knowledge.
Shadowing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃædəʊɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃædoʊɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Living in someone's shadow (not directly related to the act of shadowing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHADOW following you closely—that's what 'shadowing' is, sticking to someone like their own shadow.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOLLOWING IS BEING A SHADOW (a shadow is a constant, attached follower).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'shadowing' most often refers to: