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

The lights were fluorescent and had a white tinge that made him feel exposed.

From Literature

The biggest event in American sports kicks off Sunday as the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks at a Super Bowl tinged by controversy over Bad Bunny's half-time show.

From Barron's

As an adult, moving became quieter and more tinged with shame, prompted by divorce, a layoff and rent hikes every handful of years as I tried to “make it” in the big city.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a tinge of red to his cheek.

From Literature

The window blind is pulled shut, and the bare bulb overhead is painted a dimming blue, giving an unearthly tinge to all beneath it.

From Literature

Related Words

• coloration
• hue
• tint
• tone