tinge

[ tinj ]

verb (used with object)

, tinged, tinge·ing or ting·ing.

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 Words From

• inter·tinge verb (used with object) intertinged intertingeing or intertinging
• re·tinge verb (used with object) retinged retingeing or retinging

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

“I know it sounds so simple and naive, but I don’t understand how the bad guy keeps winning,” she says, choking up, her soft voice tinged with disbelief.

From Los Angeles Times

A daisy tinged with ultraviolet petals signals to a bumblebee: dinner’s served.

From Salon

His patter — fast, outraged, informed and tinged with well-timed jokes — was a master class in old-school talk radio.

From Los Angeles Times

Each syllable burns like an ember, every word tinged with new possibilities.

From Salon

It will appear even bigger and brighter - perhaps with a reddish tinge - as it rises or falls near the horizon.

From BBC

Related Words

• imbue
• suffuse