Word
shades
US/ˈʃeɪdz/
UK/ʃˈeɪdz/
Definitions
01sunglasses
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Informal
n. a common word for sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun.
n. a colloquial term for sunglasses. Plurale tantum — always used in the plural form.
“Don't forget your shades; the sun is really bright on the water today.”
“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'.
Synonyms
02dark areas or colors
A2 · Elementary Plural noun
n. areas that are dark because the sun is blocked, or different versions of a color.
n. plural form of shade; refers to multiple areas of darkness or various gradations of a specific hue.
“The artist used many different shades of green to paint the forest.”
“The garden was a patchwork of light and shades, with the tall oaks casting long patterns across the lawn.”
03to block light
B1 · Intermediate
v. to block the light from something or to make a part of a drawing darker.
v. third-person singular present of 'shade'; to screen from light or to create a darkening effect in an artistic medium.
“The large tree shades the entire patio during the hottest part of the afternoon.”
“The architect designed a series of louvres that shades the glass facade, reducing the building's cooling requirements during the summer months.”
Antonyms
Idioms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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