shade
UK: ʃeɪd | US: ʃeɪd
n. 1. partial darkness caused by blocking light
n. 2. a color gradient or slight variation in hue
n. 3. a subtle difference or nuance
vt. 1. to screen from direct light
vt. 2. to darken or color with gradations
The word "shade" traces back to Old English sceadu (shadow, darkness), from Proto-Germanic skadwaz. The root shad- retains its core meaning of "blocking light," while the silent -e reflects Middle English spelling conventions. Over time, "shade" expanded semantically from literal darkness to abstract nuances (e.g., "shades of meaning"), mirroring the gradual diffusion of shadows.
She sat under the shade of an oak tree.
The artist mixed several shades of blue for the sky.
His argument lacked subtle shades of interpretation.
The curtains shaded the room from the afternoon sun.
This lipstick has a slight purple shade.