tinge

[tinj]

verb (used with object)

tinged, tingeing, tinging. 

1. to impart a trace or slight degree of some color to; tint.

2. to impart a slight taste or smell to.

noun

1. a slight degree of coloration.

2. a slight admixture, as of some qualifying property or characteristic; trace; smattering.

   a tinge of garlic; a tinge of anger.

   Synonyms: suspicion, nuance, shade, hint

tinge

/ tɪndʒ /

noun

1. a slight tint or colouring

   her hair had a tinge of grey

2. any slight addition

verb

1. to colour or tint faintly

2. to impart a slight trace to

   her thoughts were tinged with nostalgia

Other Word Forms

• intertinge verb (used with object)
• retinge verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinge¹

First recorded in 1470–80, tinge is from the Latin word tingere to dye, color

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinge¹

C15: from Latin tingere to colour

Example Sentences

Jones left a congratulatory message tinged with sorrow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But today every sound is tinged with uncertainty as the future of the firm is unclear because of the possible end of a key piece of US trade law.

Read more on BBC

Many of her insights are astute, though occasionally tinged with rancor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Americans want to spend their time and money on things that don’t feel so tinged with the sickly odor of United States nationalism, and they’re finding it wherever they can.

Read more on Salon

Both were concerned about online notoriety that could be associated with a politically tinged situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coloration 
• hue 
• tint 
• tone