Word
shading
Phoneticsshad·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃeɪdɪŋ/
UK/ʃˈeɪdɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the dark parts of a drawing or picture that show where the light is blocked. You use it to make objects look solid and three-dimensional.
n. the representation of different values of light and dark in a two-dimensional image to create the illusion of depth or volume.
Examples
“The artist used careful shading to make the ball look round.”
“By adding subtle shading under the jawline, the portrait painter successfully gave the face a sense of structure and weight.”
“The architect's sketch relied on cross-hatched shading to distinguish between the solid concrete walls and the transparent glass panels of the proposed atrium.”
Examples
simple
“The artist used careful shading to make the ball look round.”
contextual
“By adding subtle shading under the jawline, the portrait painter successfully gave the face a sense of structure and weight.”
complex
“The architect's sketch relied on cross-hatched shading to distinguish between the solid concrete walls and the transparent glass panels of the proposed atrium.”
Usage
Often used in the context of visual arts or digital rendering; can be used countably when referring to specific techniques.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/shading