WordValeshade
a slight variation in meaning or color
In more detail
1. (noun) an area of darkness caused by something blocking light from the sun
2. (noun) a color, especially how light or dark it is
3. (noun) a device that covers a window to keep out light
4. (verb) to block light from shining on something
Examples
- 1. We sat in the shade under a big tree to stay cool.
- 2. She chose a lighter shade of blue for her bedroom walls.
- 3. Close the bedroom shades so the sun doesn't wake you up.
How to use shade
Shade as a noun commonly refers to darkness cast by an object blocking sunlight, or to a particular tone or tint of color. As a verb, it means to block or reduce light. The word can be used literally (sit in the shade) or figuratively (shades of meaning). It is more informal than shadow in everyday contexts, though the two overlap significantly.
Common phrases
- in the shade
- different shades of
- pull down the shade
- shade of blue
- seek shade
- provide shade
Synonyms
shadow · darkness · tint · hue · blind
Opposites
light · brightness · sun
Word family
shady (adjective) · shaded (adjective) · shading (noun) · shader (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse shade with shadow, but shadow is the dark shape cast by an object, while shade is the general darkness or dimness caused by blocked light.
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