shade

[ʃeɪd]

shade Definition

  • 1an area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked
  • 2a color, especially with regard to how light or dark it is or as distinguished from one nearly like it
  • 3a position of relative inferiority or obscurity; a lowly or out-of-the-way place

Using shade: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shade" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The tree provided shade from the hot sun.

  • Example

    The room was painted in shades of blue.

  • Example

    He lived in the shade of his famous father.

  • Example

    She threw shade at her ex-boyfriend during the interview.

shade Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for shade

Phrases with shade

  • to make a subtle or indirect insult or criticism

    Example

    She threw shade at her co-worker's outfit during the meeting.

  • in a position of relative inferiority or obscurity

    Example

    He lived in the shade of his famous father.

  • to protect or shelter someone or something from the sun

    Example

    The tree gave shade to the picnic area.

Origins of shade

from Old English 'sceadu', meaning 'shadow, darkness'

📌

Summary: shade in Brief

The term 'shade' [ʃeɪd] refers to an area of darkness created by blocking a source of light, a color, or a position of relative inferiority or obscurity. It can be used to describe a physical space, as in 'The tree provided shade from the hot sun,' or a metaphorical one, as in 'He lived in the shade of his famous father.' 'Shade' can also be used idiomatically, such as 'throw shade,' which means to make a subtle insult or criticism.

How do native speakers use this expression?