shade
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for shade, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
An area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked.
“The dog lay panting in the shade beside the garden shed.”
Opposites
How to use shade
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in the shade
a shade of blue
throw shade
Etymology
From Old English sceadu, "shade, shadow, darkness" — a doublet of the word shadow.
Full origin of shade →Frequently asked questions
What does “shade” mean?
The word “shade” means an area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked. In plain terms, an area out of direct sun, a variation of a color, or (slang) a sly insult.
How do you pronounce “shade”?
“Shade” is pronounced shayd (/ʃeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shade” in a sentence?
Here is “shade” used in a sentence: “They set up their picnic in the shade of a large oak tree.”
What part of speech is “shade”?
Depending on how it is used, “shade” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shade” come from?
The word “shade” comes from Old English. From Old English sceadu, "shade, shadow, darkness" — a doublet of the word shadow.
Is “shade” a common word?
“Shade” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “shade” have?
“Shade” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked.
What is the difference between "shade" and "shadow"?
"Shade" is a general area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked, such as sitting in the shade of a tree. A "shadow" is the specific dark shape cast by a particular object blocking the light.
What is the difference between a "shade" and a "tint" of a color?
In color terms, a "shade" is a variation of a color, typically a darker version made by adding black. A "tint" is the lighter version, usually made by adding white.
What is the difference between "shade" and "hue"?
A "hue" is the pure color itself, such as red or blue. A "shade" is a particular variation of that color, giving a more specific tone within the same family.
Can "shade" mean both darkness and a color?
Yes. "Shade" can mean an area of relative darkness where sunlight is blocked, and it can also mean a particular variation of a color, such as a lighter or darker shade of green.
