Tints: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when discussing slight variations in color or when referring to adding a small amount of color to something. Often used in art and design, hair coloring, or car windows.

• She added some tints to the painting to create depth.
• The car windows have light tints to reduce glare.

This is best used when referring to variations in lightness or darkness of a color. Commonly used in art, design, and describing colors in general.

• Can you pass me the shade of blue that’s lighter than this one?
• She prefers to sit in the shade during summer.

Common in discussions related to adding color to objects, usually in general terms. Can be used in art, food, and hair contexts.

• The coloring of the dress made it stand out at the party.
• Natural food coloring is often used in baking.

Typically refers to a thin layer covering over something. Can also mean a motion picture, but in this context, it's more about coverings like a protective film or a chemical layer on a photograph.

• There was a thin film of dust on the old books.
• You need to apply a protective film on the screen to prevent scratches.

Used to describe slight or delicate variations of colors. Often heard in the context of paint, makeup, or photography.

• She applied tints of pink and lavender to the walls.
• The photograph had beautiful tints of blue and green.

General term used for all hues. It’s used in everyday language to describe the shades people perceive in various objects.

• What’s your favorite color? Mine is blue.
• The garden was full of vibrant colors.

Refers to a substance used to change the color of something, typically fabric or hair. Often used when talking about clothing, hair styling, or crafts.

• He decided to dye his hair black.
• She used natural dye to color the fabric.

Typically has a negative connotation and is used to describe something that has been marked or soiled with a foreign substance. Can also be used in wood finishing.

• There’s a coffee stain on your shirt.
• He used a dark stain on the wood to bring out the grain.