shady
Shady (adjective) means Sheltered from direct sunlight; full of shade. Example: “We had a picnic under a shady oak tree.”
How to use shady
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither literally blocking sunlight, or informally describing someone or something that seems dodgy or dishonest.
The "dishonest" sense is informal and common in everyday speech.
Word forms
shadier comparative, Shadys plural, shadiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We had a picnic under a _____ oak tree.
Etymology
From "shade" plus "-y".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for shady
See all rhymes for shady →Frequently asked questions
What does “shady” mean?
The word “shady” means sheltered from direct sunlight; full of shade. In plain terms, either literally blocking sunlight, or informally describing someone or something that seems dodgy or dishonest.
How do you pronounce “shady”?
“Shady” is pronounced SHAY-dee (/ˈʃeɪdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “shady” in a sentence?
Here is “shady” used in a sentence: “We had a picnic under a shady oak tree.”
What part of speech is “shady”?
“Shady” is an adjective.
Is “shady” a common word?
“Shady” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “shady” have?
“Shady” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: sheltered from direct sunlight; full of shade.
What is the difference between 'shady' meaning shaded and 'shady' meaning dishonest?
When describing a place, 'shady' means sheltered from direct sunlight, such as a shady spot under a tree. When describing a person or activity, 'shady' means untrustworthy or dishonest in a hidden or underhand way, an entirely different, informal meaning.
Is calling someone 'shady' formal or informal?
Describing a person or their behavior as 'shady' in the sense of dishonest is informal usage, typically found in casual speech rather than formal writing.
What is the difference between 'shady' and 'suspicious'?
'Suspicious' describes something that raises doubt or seems questionable without necessarily implying wrongdoing, while 'shady' more strongly implies that dishonesty is being deliberately concealed.