shades

Darkness where light, particularly sunlight, is blocked.

“The old oak tree gave shade in the heat of the day.”

Something that blocks light, particularly in a window.

“Close the shade, please: it's too bright in here.”

A variety of a colour/color, in particular one obtained by adding black (compare tint).

“I've painted my room in five lovely shades of pink and chartreuse.”

A subtle variation in a concept.

“shades of meaning”

An aspect that is reminiscent of something.

“shades of Groucho”

A very small degree of a quantity, or variety of meaning

A ghost or specter; a spirit.

“The adventurer was attacked by a shade.”

A postage stamp showing an obvious difference in colour/color to the original printing and needing a separate catalogue/catalog entry.

(originally gay slang) Subtle insults.

“Why did you paint your room chartreuse? No shade; I'm genuinely curious.”

To shield from light.

“The old oak tree shaded the lawn in the heat of the day.”

To alter slightly.

“Most politicians will shade the truth if it helps them.”

To vary or approach something slightly, particularly in color.

“The hillside was bright green, shading towards gold in the drier areas.”

(of a defensive player) To move slightly from one's normal fielding position.

“Jones will shade a little to the right on this pitch count.”

To darken, particularly in drawing.

“I draw contours first, gradually shading in midtones and shadows.”

To surpass by a narrow margin.

“Both parties claimed afterwards that their man did best in the debate, but an early opinion poll suggested Mr Cameron shaded it.”

To reduce (a window) so that only its title bar is visible.

To shelter; to cover from injury; to protect; to screen.

To present a shadow or image of; to shadow forth; to represent.

Sunglasses.

“His shades are by some famous designer.”