tinge

American  

[tinj] / tɪndʒ /

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.

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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 British  

/ tɪndʒ /

noun

1. a slight tint or colouring

   her hair had a tinge of grey

2. any slight addition

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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)

Etymology

Origin of tinge

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

Example Sentences

On Thursday the pitch looked to have a thick covering of grass, but by Friday it was losing its green tinge.

From BBC

"I became a mum in 2023, but my arms were empty. This year, I finally get to wrap gifts for the child who came home. It's a happiness tinged with grief"

From BBC

Now living in London with her supportive partner Celia, Meg admits her relationship with her home city has changed, and all her wonderful memories are tinged by the sadness of the losses.

From BBC

Water in many homes is tinged a rusty orange from iron and manganese in the soil, or pipe corrosion, and smells sour from sulfur.

From The Wall Street Journal

Alyssa may have a point, but her critique is also tinged with the fear of being outpaced by her protégé.

From Salon

Related Words

• coloration
• hue
• tint
• tone