What does tint mean?
A tint is a slight shade of color, a faint trace of a quality, or the subtle coloring applied to a surface, garment, or photograph. As a verb, tint means to add a light color to something or to influence it in a restrained, barely noticeable way. The word is especially useful when describing small variations: a tint of green in the sky, a tint of uncertainty in a voice, or glass tinted to reduce glare. It can also refer to a coloring used in hair, cosmetics, and other products. Because tint often implies delicacy and restraint, it conveys more than merely one color among many while remaining less forceful than words such as dye or stain. It is similarly effective in figurative language, where a small influence or emotional quality can color a person’s judgment, speech, or experience.
A slight shade or trace of a color; also a faint quality or characteristic.
"There was a tint of amusement in her voice."
The noun is often countable when referring to a particular shade or trace, and it commonly conveys subtlety.
To give something a slight color, or to affect or influence it subtly.
"She tinted the white fabric a soft shade of yellow."
The verb can describe literal coloration and figurative influence, often with an implication of moderation or subtlety.
The plural is used for distinct shades, traces, or applications of color.
"The designer chose several muted tints for the room."
Tint comes from the same Latin root as tinge and tincture, linking a subtle shade of color with the idea of touching or marking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tint
Tint comes through Old French tint from Latin tinctus, a past participle of tingere, meaning “to touch,” “moisten,” or “dyed.” The Latin root developed the sense of applying or imparting color, later reflected in English words such as tinge, tincture, and taint. The English noun and verb developed during the early modern period with meanings connected both with coloration and with a slight or faint quality.
How tint is actually used
The word is neutral in register and commonly suggests a subtle or slight effect. In British English, tint and tinge are closely related, although tinge can also suggest a more noticeable trace or quality.