English Reference

Word

hue

/ˈhju/

Definitions

01a color or shade

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary

n. a particular color or a specific shade of a color.

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

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

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

Synonyms

shadetinttonecolor

02technical color property

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

chroma

03character or aspect

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Formal

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

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

“Politicians of every hue gathered to discuss the new law.”

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

Synonyms

characteraspectflavor

04a city in Vietnam

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a famous and historic city located in central Vietnam.

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

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

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

Word family

NOUN

hue(B2)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference