ENGLISH
REFERENCE

matt

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈmæt// UK //mˈæt// matt

adj. having a surface that is not shiny. You use this to describe things like paint or photos that look soft and do not reflect light.

adj. lacking a glossy or reflective finish; having a dull or flat surface. Often used in technical contexts regarding photography, printing, or industrial coatings.


SIMPLE

I prefer a matt finish for my bedroom walls.

CONTEXTUAL

The photographer chose a matt paper to reduce glare and give the portraits a more classic, artistic look.

COMPLEX

While glossy screens offer more vibrant colors, a matt display is often preferred in professional environments to minimize distracting reflections from overhead lighting.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used to modify nouns related to surfaces, such as 'finish', 'paint', or 'paper'.

Pitfall

a matte of painta matt finishIn this sense, the word is an adjective, not a noun; it must modify a noun like 'finish' or 'surface'.

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