Matte: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จ
matte
[ mรฆt ]
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:
๐ต๐น fosco
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช matt
๐ฎ๐ฉ datar
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐัะพะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ matowy
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ
๐ซ๐ท mat
๐ช๐ธ mate
๐น๐ท mat
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌด๊ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ matnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ matnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ mat
๐ฎ๐ธ matt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแข
๐ฆ๐ฟ mat
๐ฒ๐ฝ mate
Etymology
The word 'matte' comes from the French word 'mat', meaning 'dull', which itself originated from the Latin 'mฤnsuฤre' 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.
- ...
- 19156 atheist
- 19157 nullify
- 19158 skew
- 19159 matte
- 19160 argumentative
- 19161 directness
- 19162 misused
- ...