1. Graded markings that indicate light or shaded areas in a drawing or painting
   "The artist's skilful shading gave the portrait a three-dimensional quality"
    
2. A gradation involving small or imperceptible differences between grades
   "The artist's skilful shading gave the painting a lifelike appearance";
   - blending

1. Cast a shadow over
   "The tall trees shaded the garden path";
   - shadow
    
2. Protect from light, heat, or view
   "Shade your eyes when you step out into the bright sunlight"
    
3. Represent the effect of shade or shadow on
   "The artist shaded the portrait to add depth";
   - fill in
    
4. Pass from one quality such as colour to another by a slight degree
   "the butterfly wings shade to yellow"
    
5. Vary slightly
   "shade the meaning"

Derived forms: shadings

See also: fill

Type of: alter, block out, change, darken, draw, gradation, graduation, marking, modify, paint, screen

Encyclopedia: Shading