Definition

Describing a surface that does not shine or reflect light, often appearing smooth and dull instead of glossy.

Example

The artist chose a matte finish for the painting to give it a more subtle look.

Conversation

I really like this new paint color; it's a nice matte finish.

Yeah, it looks so much better than glossy paint.

Exactly! I find matte surfaces are easier to clean too.

Totally! Plus, they give a more modern vibe to the room.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A mixture of metal sulfides created during the smelting process of certain ores, often used in metallurgy.

Example

The workers carefully extracted the matte from the smelting furnace.

Conversation

Did you see how they used the matte effect in that movie?

Yeah, it really added a unique look to the scenes.

I loved how it made the background feel more immersive.

Root Explanation

Matte → The word originates from the Old French 'mat', meaning dull or not shiny. It describes a surface that lacks gloss or shine, giving it a subdued appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word 'mat' meaning dull — this helps you remember that 'matte' refers to a non-shiny surface.

Visually Confused Words