Hue

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/hjuː/ (hyoo)

Definitions

• The attribute of a color that distinguishes it from others, such as red, blue, or yellow.
• A particular shade or tint of a color.
• A characteristic quality or aspect of something.

Usage Examples

• The sunset painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink.
• Artists carefully select hues to evoke different emotions in their paintings.
• The political speech had a darker hue than expected, warning of upcoming challenges.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English hew (color, form, appearance), related to Old English hiw (form, appearance, color).

Synonyms

Shade, tint, tone, coloration, cast

Antonyms

Colorlessness, achromatism

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "hue" is pronounced with a clearer "y" sound, whereas some British English speakers may soften it slightly.

Historical Usage

The word "hue" has been used in English since the 12th century, originally referring to both form and color before evolving into its modern meaning.

Cultural Nuances

Different cultures assign symbolic meanings to hues, such as red for luck in China or mourning in South Africa.

More Information

In color theory, "hue" is one of the main properties of color, along with saturation and brightness, and is used extensively in design, art, and psychology.