n.
- comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight.
- a position of relative inferiority or obscurity.
- a colour, especially with regard to how light or dark it is.
▸a slight degree of difference between colours.
- a slightly differing variety:
all shades of opinion.
▸a slight amount.
- a lampshade.
- N. Amer. a screen or blind on a window.
-
(shades)
informal sunglasses.
- literary a ghost.
▸
(the Shades)
the underworld.
v.
- screen from direct light.
▸cover, moderate, or exclude the light of.
- darken or colour with parallel pencil lines or a block of colour.
- informal narrowly win.
- reduce or decline in amount, rate, or price.
Phrase
- shades of ——
suggestive or reminiscent of someone or something.
Derivative
Etymology
OE sc(e)adu, of Gmc origin; cf. shadow.