shade Definition

shade
noun

1. The blocking or partial blocking out of sunlight, or the relative darkness caused by this.

Thesaurus: shadow, murk, obscurity, twilight, umbra.
2. An area from which sunlight has been completely or partially blocked.
3. Any device used to modify direct light, eg a lampshade.
4. A device, eg a screen, used as a shield from direct heat, light, etc.

Thesaurus: cover, shelter, shield, canopy, screen, curtain, blind.
(US)
5. A window-blind.
6. An obscure area or location.
7. A dark or shaded area in a drawing or painting.
8. The state of appearing less impressive than something or someone else.

Example: He always lived in the shade of his brother's achievements
Example: Her singing puts mine in the shade
9. A colour, especially one similar to but slightly different from a principal colour.

Example: a lighter shade of blue
Thesaurus: hue, colour, tint, tinge.
10. A small amount; a touch.

Example: My house is a shade smaller than that
Thesaurus: hint, trace, nuance, suggestion, suspicion, degree, variation.
11. colloq
Sunglasses.
Form: shades
12. literary
A ghost.
Thesaurus: ghost, spirit, wraith, manes, specter, phantasm, apparition.

verb shaded, shading

1. To block or partially block out sunlight from someone or something.

Thesaurus: screen, protect, block, conceal, cover, hide, mute, veil, overshadow, eclipse; shadow, darken, blacken, cloud, dim, adumbrate.
2. To draw or paint so as to give the impression of shade.
3. To change gradually or unnoticeably.

Form: shade off (usually)
Form: shade away

Derivative: shadeless
adj

Idiom: in the shade

Sheltered from strong light or heat.

Overlooked or forgotten; in relative obscurity.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon sceadu.