WordGarden.ioshade
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈeɪd/
US
- /ˈʃeɪd/
Meanings
Noun
a particular degree or variation of a color
an area of relative darkness or coolness out of direct light
a covering that blocks or softens light, such as a window shade or lampshade
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)subtle disrespect, contempt, or mocking criticism
Verb
to make darker or protect from direct light
to add darker areas or gradations to a drawing or image
Beyond the definition
We often think of shade as the cool, darker area made when something blocks the light, like standing under a tree on a hot summer day. But this word is not only about sunlight. It can also mean a small difference in color, like the many shades of blue in the ocean. In modern slang, "throwing shade" means criticizing or insulting someone in a quiet, clever, or dismissive way. So this word can talk about light, color, or a tense social moment.
The word "shade" has several meanings, and context tells you which one is meant. Most often, it refers to an area away from direct sunlight, where it feels cooler and less bright. You might sit in the shade of a tree on a hot afternoon, or pull down window shades to make a room darker.
The word also describes a variation of a color. Artists use different shades of paint to add depth to their work, and we notice many shades of green in a forest or many shades of red in autumn leaves. In modern slang, to "throw shade" means to insult someone or show disapproval in an indirect way, often with a cool or mocking tone.
In older writing and in literature, "shade" can also mean a ghost or spirit, as if it were the shadow of a person who has died. It can even mean a very small amount, as in "a shade better." So when you meet this word, look at the context: it may be about light, color, a spirit, or an indirect insult.
Examples
- 1
Tree cover
We had a picnic in the shade of a big oak tree.
- 2
Window covering
She pulled the window shade down before the movie started.
- 3
Color tone
I like this green, but I'd prefer a darker shade.
- 4
Low light
His face was hard to see in the shade of the doorway.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Blocking sunlight
She shaded her eyes with her hand and looked across the beach.
- 6
Drawing technique
The artist shaded the leaves with a soft pencil.
- 7
Subtle meaning
The two words are close, but they have different shades of meaning.
- Phraseshades of meaning
small differences in meaning
- 8
Small degree
That sweater is a shade too large for me.
- Phrasea shade
slightly
- 9
Indirect criticism
He kept throwing shade at his old boss during the interview.
- Phrasethrow shade
criticize someone in an indirect or mocking way
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shadenounverb
Forms
- shadespluralnounverb
- shading-ing formverbnoun
- shadedpast tenseverbnoun