English Reference
noun

hue

n.
US /ˈhju/ hue UK spelling hue's, hue's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    a particular color or a specific shade of a color.

    a color or a particular shade or tint of a color. Countable in specific instances; uncountable when referring to the quality of color.

    Simple

    The sky was a beautiful hue of deep purple just before the sun went down.

    In context

    The artist spent hours mixing pigments to achieve the exact hue of ochre she remembered from the desert landscape.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the quality of a color that makes it look red, blue, or green.

    the attribute of a color by virtue of which it is discernible as red, green, etc., and which is dependent on its dominant wavelength.

    Simple

    You can adjust the hue and brightness on your computer screen.

    In context

    In digital imaging, hue is one of the three main properties of a color, alongside saturation and lightness.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency LiteraryFormal

    the general character or type of something, like an opinion or a feeling.

    a particular character, aspect, or type of something, often used to describe political or social opinions.

    Simple

    Politicians of every hue gathered to discuss the new law.

    In context

    The protest drew together activists of various political hues, all united by a single common grievance against the proposed development.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a famous and historic city located in central Vietnam.

    a major city in central Vietnam, formerly the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.

    Simple

    We visited the ancient imperial palace during our trip to Hue.

    In context

    Hue remains a vital cultural center, renowned for its historic architecture and traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated