Finesentence logo

Matte: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽจ
Add to dictionary

matte

 

[ mรฆt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

surface finish

Matte refers to a surface that has a dull or non-reflective finish. It is commonly used to describe paint, photographs, or materials that do not have a shiny appearance. Items with a matte finish tend to absorb light rather than reflect it, resulting in a softer look. This type of finish is often preferred for artistic purposes, as it can enhance textures and colors without glare.

Synonyms

bland, dull, flat, non-reflective

Examples of usage

  • The artist chose a matte paint for her mural.
  • I prefer matte lipstick over glossy options.
  • The photograph was printed on matte paper.

Translations

Translations of the word "matte" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fosco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅˆเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช matt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ datar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐั‚ะพะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ matowy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mat

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mate

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mat

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด๊ด‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ matnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ matnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ“‘ๅ…‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ matt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒข

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mat

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mate

Etymology

The word 'matte' comes from the French word 'mat', meaning 'dull', which itself originated from the Latin 'mฤnsuฤ“re' meaning 'to tame or soften'. The term became popular in the English language during the 19th century as artistic styles evolved, particularly with the rise of photography and paint finishes. Matte finished objects started to gain popularity for their unique aesthetic qualities, especially as artists sought to move away from the reflective, glossy surfaces that were common. In contemporary usage, 'matte' is utilized in various contexts, including cosmetics, furniture, and automotive design, highlighting a preference for subtlety and sophistication.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,159, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.