Tints: meaning, definitions and examples

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tints

 

[tɪnts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

car window

A tint is a thin layer of color that is applied to a car window to reduce the amount of light and heat that passes through.

Synonyms

coloring, film, shade.

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Word Description / Examples
tints

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.
shade

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.
coloring

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.
film

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.

Examples of usage

  • The tints on my car windows help keep the interior cool on hot days.
  • She decided to add a darker tint to her windows for more privacy.
Context #2 | Verb

change color slightly

To tint means to change the color of something slightly by adding a small amount of another color.

Synonyms

color, dye, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tints

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.
color

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.
dye

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.
stain

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.

Examples of usage

  • She tinted the icing with a hint of blue to match the theme of the party.
  • The sunset tinted the sky with shades of pink and orange.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tint' comes from the Latin word 'tingere', which means 'to dye or color'.
  • The term entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of dyeing fabrics.

Art and Design

  • Artists often use tints to create depth and highlights in their work, making objects appear more three-dimensional.
  • In painting, a palette with various tints can help convey mood—softer tints might suggest calmness or gentleness.

Psychology

  • Colors and their tints can influence emotions; softer tints are often associated with serenity and peace.
  • Tints can affect perceptions in marketing, where brands may choose specific tints to evoke certain feelings in consumers.

Fashion

  • Fashion designers frequently use tints to create seasonal collections; lighter tints are popular in spring and summer styles.
  • Understanding tints can help you mix and match clothing colors effectively, creating a harmonious outfit.

Photography

  • In photography, filters can be used to create tints and bring a certain mood or aesthetic to an image.
  • The temperature of light can affect the tint of a photo, with warmer tints making images feel cozier and inviting.

Translations

Translations of the word "tints" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tons

🇮🇳 रंगों के हल्के शेड्स

🇩🇪 Tönungen

🇮🇩 nuansa

🇺🇦 відтінки

🇵🇱 odcienie

🇯🇵 色合い

🇫🇷 teintes

🇪🇸 tonos

🇹🇷 tonlar

🇰🇷 색조

🇸🇦 ظلال

🇨🇿 odstíny

🇸🇰 odtiene

🇨🇳 色调

🇸🇮 odtenki

🇮🇸 litatónar

🇰🇿 реңктер

🇬🇪 ტონები

🇦🇿 çalarlar

🇲🇽 tonos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,422, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.