shade

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific version of a color, such as dark blue or light blue.

n. a particular gradation of a color, specifically one produced by the addition of black to a hue.

“The walls were painted a soft shade of green.”

“The designer struggled to find a shade of silk that perfectly matched the vintage velvet of the upholstery.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very small difference in meaning, feeling, or opinion.

n. a slight or subtle variation in meaning, degree, or quality.

“There are many shades of meaning in the word 'freedom'.”

“The diplomat's speech contained various shades of meaning that were carefully calculated to appease both domestic and international audiences.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. something used to block light, like a cover on a lamp or a window.

n. a device or object used to reduce or exclude light, such as a lampshade or a window blind.

“She pulled down the window shade to keep the room dark.”

“The ornate glass shade of the antique lamp diffused the light into a warm, amber glow across the study.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Slang · Informal

n. a clever or indirect way of showing you do not respect someone.

n. subtle, indirect, or artistic expression of contempt or disrespect toward someone.

“She threw some serious shade at her rival during the interview.”

“The pop star's latest lyrics were widely interpreted as throwing shade at her former manager.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Archaic

n. the spirit of a dead person.

n. the soul of a deceased person, especially as inhabiting the underworld.

“The poet spoke of the shades of the dead wandering the halls.”

“In the epic poem, the hero descends into the underworld to consult the shades of his fallen comrades.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to protect something from direct light or heat.

v. to screen or protect from light or heat by providing cover.

“He shaded his eyes with his hand to see the distant ship.”

“The architect designed deep eaves to shade the south-facing windows during the hottest part of the summer afternoon.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to make parts of a drawing darker to show depth or light.

v. to represent different values of light and dark in a drawing or painting.

“You should shade the left side of the sphere to make it look round.”

“The artist used cross-hatching to shade the portrait, creating a dramatic sense of depth and texture.”

C1 · Advanced Academic · Literary

v. to change slowly from one thing or color into another.

v. to pass by imperceptible degrees from one state, color, or quality into another.

“The bright pink of the sunset began to shade into deep purple.”

“The author's political arguments often shade into personal grievances, making the core message difficult to isolate.”