# shade /ˈʃeɪd/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪd/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shade Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. blocked sunlight noun · CEFR A2 an area that is dark and cool because the sun cannot reach it. For teachers: comparative darkness caused by the interception of light rays by an opaque object. - We sat in the shade of a large oak tree to eat our lunch. - The hikers sought the cool shade of the canyon walls as the midday sun became increasingly oppressive. ### 2. variety of a color noun · CEFR B1 a specific version of a color, such as dark blue or light blue. For teachers: 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. ### 3. subtle difference noun · CEFR B2 a very small difference in meaning, feeling, or opinion. For teachers: 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. ### 4. a screen or cover noun · CEFR B1 something used to block light, like a cover on a lamp or a window. For teachers: 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. ### 5. subtle insult noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal a clever or indirect way of showing you do not respect someone. For teachers: 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. Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'to throw shade'. ### 6. a ghost noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic the spirit of a dead person. For teachers: 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. ### 7. to block light verb · CEFR B1 to protect something from direct light or heat. For teachers: 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. ### 8. to darken in art verb · CEFR B1 to make parts of a drawing darker to show depth or light. For teachers: 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. ### 9. to change gradually verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Literary to change slowly from one thing or color into another. For teachers: 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. ## Examples - We sat in the shade of a large oak tree. - The temperature was nearly forty degrees, so we spent the entire afternoon resting in the shade of the porch. - The artist used varying degrees of shade to create a sense of depth, making the flat canvas appear like a three-dimensional landscape. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.