French word

mat

Pronunciation

IPA/mat/

Meaning

  • adjectivematte

Example

Cet écran est mat.

This screen is matte.

Illustration for mat (matte)

More examples

Le vernis est mat.

The varnish is matte.

Core concept

A surface with a muted finish that scatters light, so it looks soft rather than glossy.

Common phrases

  • écran mat

    matte screen

  • vernis mat

    matte varnish

  • effet mat

    matte effect

Similar words

terne: Appearing muted and lacking vivid color or brightness.
satiné: Having a smooth, satin-like finish with a subtle sheen.
brillant: Having a glossy surface that reflects light strongly.

Definition in French

Qui présente une surface non brillante et qui diffuse la lumière plutôt que de la réfléchir.

Word origin

French mat continues an Old French adjective meaning dull or worn out, and English later borrowed the surface sense as matte.

Usage tips

  • The adjective is mat before a masculine singular noun but mate before a feminine singular noun, as in un écran mat and une peinture mate.

Opposites

  • brillantglossyadjective
  • luisantshinyadjective

Related words

  • matifiermattifyverb
  • matifiantmattifyingadjective
  • matitématte finishnoun

Word lists with this word