Shades Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

šŸŽØ
Add to dictionary

shades

[ŹƒeÉŖdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of color

Various varieties of a color, differing in intensity or purity.

Synonyms

colors, tints, tones.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shades

Used when referring to a variation of a color made by adding black to it. Often used in the context of art, fashion, or describing visual elements.

  • She prefers darker shades of blue for her living room.
  • The painter experimented with different shades to create depth.
tones

Refers to a variation of a color achieved by adding gray. Often used in discussions about color theory, art, and design.

  • The artist used different tones of brown to create a realistic landscape.
  • Interior designers often focus on tones to create a cohesive look.
tints

Refers to a variation of a color made by adding white to it. This term is often used in the contexts of art, painting, and interior design.

  • She chose a tint of green for the baby's room.
  • The designer added tints of pink to the project to soften the overall look.
colors

General term for any hue, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It can be used in a wide range of situations, including art, design, fashion, and everyday conversation.

  • What are your favorite colors?
  • The artist mixed various colors to create a new palette.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a dress in different shades of blue.
  • The artist used shades of green to create a beautiful landscape.
Context #2 | Noun

of light

Gradual change from light to dark in a painting or drawing.

Synonyms

gradation, hue, tint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shades

Typically used to refer to different variations of colors, often when talking about art, design, or fashion. Can also refer to window coverings.

  • She chose different shades of blue for her painting.
  • The living room has shades to block out the sunlight.
gradation

Used in more technical or formal discussions, often to describe the gradual transition between colors or tones.

  • The artist used a smooth gradation to blend the colors.
  • The photo shows a beautiful gradation from light to dark.
tint

Refers to a color that has been lightened by adding white. Often used in art and design to describe light variations of a color.

  • She added a bit of white to create a lighter tint of purple.
  • The walls were painted in a soft tint of green.
hue

Commonly used in artistic and design contexts to describe the main attribute of a color or a particular shade of a color.

  • Adjust the hue to get the perfect color for the background.
  • The painter is known for using vibrant hues in her work.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used shades to add depth to the portrait.
  • The sunset painted the sky in beautiful shades of pink and orange.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Sunglasses became popular in the 1920s, mainly as a fashion statement, often seen on movie stars.
  • Today, they are not just a style accessory but come in various forms and are designed for function as well as beauty.

Science

  • UV rays from the sun can cause eye damage, which is why wearing shades helps protect your eyes from harmful radiation.
  • Polarized lenses reduce glare from surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visual comfort and clarity.

Pop Culture

  • Iconic movie characters like 'Neo' from The Matrix popularized a certain style of shades, turning them into symbols of coolness.
  • Famous musicians, such as Elvis Presley, often wore shades both on-stage and off, contributing to their status as cultural icons.

Health

  • Wearing shades can help prevent cataracts and other eye diseases caused by prolonged UV exposure.
  • It's recommended to choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection for the best eye health benefits.

Origin of 'shades'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shade' comes from the Old English 'sceadu', meaning 'shadow' or 'darkness'.
  • In Middle Ages, the term evolved to describe both shadows and coverings, eventually leading to the idea of protective eyewear.

The word 'shades' originated from Middle English 'schade' which came from Old English 'sceadu' meaning 'shadow'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include variations of color and light intensity, as well as gradual changes in art. The word has been used in various contexts to describe different aspects of color and light.


See also: shade, shaded, shading, shadow, shady.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,278 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.