“Shade” vs. “Shadow”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “shade” and “shadow”

  • Shade is a relative darkness caused by obstruction of light, whereas a shadow is a dark area produced by an object blocking the path of light.
  • Shade can also refer to a protective shelter or a slight variation in color, while shadow can refer to a quality of gloom or obscurity.
  • Shade is often used in the context of protection from sunlight, while shadow is often used in the context of projection or obscurity.
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What is the definition of “shade” and “shadow”?

Shade
  • Shade refers to relative darkness caused by obstruction of light.
  • It can also refer to a protective shelter from the sun's heat or a decorative element used in art.
  • The term can also be used to describe a slight variation in color or tone.
Shadow
  • Shadow refers to a dark area or shape produced by an object blocking the path of light.
  • It can also refer to a quality of gloom or obscurity in someone's life or mental state.
  • The term can also be used to mean following or observing someone closely.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Shadow” is the more popular variant on the web.
Shade
342,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The plants under the shade of the tree looked healthy.
  2. I stayed in the shade of the parasol on the beach in case I got sunburnt.
  3. He felt a sense of relief as he stepped into the shade on a hot day.
More popular
Shadow
625,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The shadow of the building loomed over the street.
  2. The detective followed the suspect's shadow down the alleyway.
  3. I shadowed my mentor until I could do all the tasks myself with confidence.
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