noun

1. comparative darkness caused by a more or less opaque object cutting off rays of light, as from the sun
2. 1. a place giving protection from the heat and light of the sun, as under a tree
   2. an area less brightly lighted than its surroundings
3. Archaic
   1. a shadow
   2. a retired or secluded place
4. an indication or representation of darkness in painting, drawing, photography, etc.
5. degree of darkness of a color; gradation of a color with reference to its mixture with black various shades of blue
6. 1. a small difference or variation shades of opinion
   2. a slight amount or degree; trace; touch; suggestion a shade of humor in his voice
7. Chiefly Literary
   1. a ghost; specter
   2. anything lacking substance or reality; phantom
8. any of various devices used to protect or screen from light and heat; specif.,
   1. lampshade
   2. ☆ window shade
9. ☆ Slang sunglasses

Etymology: ME schade < OE sceadu (gen. & dat. sceadwe), akin to Goth skadus < IE base *skot-, darkness, shadow > Gr skotos, darkness

transitive verb shaded shad′ed, shading shad′·ing

1. to protect or screen from light or heat
2. to provide with a shade
3. to hide or screen with or as with a shadow
4. to make dark, as with a shade or a shadow; darken; dim; obscure
5. 1. to represent the effects of shade in (a painting, photograph, etc.)
   2. to depict in, or mark with, gradations of light or color
6. to change by very slight degrees or gradations
7. ☆ to lessen or reduce (a price) slightly

intransitive verb