Meaning & Definition of Gray in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Of a color between white and black, often associated with dullness or neutrality.

  Example Sentence: She painted the walls a soft gray to create a calm atmosphere.

• Definition: Having gray hair, often due to aging.

  Example Sentence: He started going gray in his forties.

• Definition: Dull or indistinct in character or quality, lacking brightness.

  Example Sentence: The day was gray and overcast, making it feel dreary.

• Definition: A person or thing that is gray in color.

  Example Sentence: The gray of the sky suggested that rain was coming.

• Definition: In politics, often associated with moderate or ambiguous positions.

  Example Sentence: His views on the issue were gray, lacking a clear stance.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'grei', from Old English 'grǣg'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• gray area: A situation or topic that is not clearly defined and has ambiguities.
• gray matter: Brain tissue; also refers to intellectual capacity.
• the gray lady: A term often used to refer to a newspaper, particularly The New York Times.

Translations

• Spanish: gris

• French: gris

• German: grau

• Russian: серый

Related Words

• greyhound: a breed of dog known for its speed and elegance.

• grayish: somewhat gray in color.

• grayscale: a range of shades from black to white, without color.

Slang Meanings of gray

• Meaning: Gray market

  Example Sentence: Buying designer goods from unauthorized retailers is often referred to as gray market purchasing.

• Meaning: Gray hair

  Example Sentence: She embraced her gray hair as a badge of maturity.