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shades

n. · v.
US //ˈʃeɪdz// UK //ʃˈeɪdz// shades
  1. 1 sunglasses (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a common word for sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun.

    a colloquial term for sunglasses. Plurale tantum — always used in the plural form.

    Example

    Don't forget your shades; the sun is really bright on the water today.

    Example

    He pulled on a pair of expensive designer shades before stepping out of the car into the flash of the paparazzi cameras.

    Usage

    Always plural; used with plural verbs like 'are' or 'were'.
  2. 2 dark areas or colors (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    areas that are dark because the sun is blocked, or different versions of a color.

    plural form of shade; refers to multiple areas of darkness or various gradations of a specific hue.

    Example

    The artist used many different shades of green to paint the forest.

    Example

    The garden was a patchwork of light and shades, with the tall oaks casting long patterns across the lawn.
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  1. 3 to block light (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to block the light from something or to make a part of a drawing darker.

    third-person singular present of 'shade'; to screen from light or to create a darkening effect in an artistic medium.

    Example

    The large tree shades the entire patio during the hottest part of the afternoon.

    Example

    The architect designed a series of louvres that shades the glass facade, reducing the building's cooling requirements during the summer months.
    • screens
    • shadows
    • darkens
Idioms1 entry

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