Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not reflecting light; not glossy: Describes a surface that lacks shine or luster, appearing dull and flat.
   • Having a flat, non-reflective finish: Often used to describe paint, paper, photographs, or other materials that diffuse light rather than reflect it.

2. Noun:

   • The property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss: The quality of a surface that is not shiny.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She chose a matt finish for the living room walls to avoid glare.
  • The artist preferred matt paper for her charcoal drawings.
  • This lipstick has a matt texture, not a shiny one.

• Noun:

  • The matt of the photograph was preferred for the exhibition.
  • The paint's matt helps hide imperfections on the wall.

Advanced Usage

• In art and photography: A matt finish is often used to reduce reflections and make details easier to see from different angles.

  • For the gallery prints, we requested a matt lamination.

• In manufacturing and design: Used to specify a desired surface texture.

  • The product specifications call for a matt anodized aluminum casing.

Variants and Related Words

• Matte: An alternative spelling for matt, more common in American English.

  • The document was printed on matte cardstock.

• Mattify (verb): To make something less shiny or oily.

  • This powder helps to mattify the skin.

• Mattness (noun): The state or quality of being matt.

  • The mattness of the surface was tested in the lab.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Flat, dull, lusterless, non-reflective, unglazed.
• Noun: Dullness, flatness, lack of gloss.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Glossy, shiny, reflective, lustrous, polished.
• Noun: Gloss, shine, luster, sheen.

Adjective

1. not reflecting light; not glossy
   • flat wall paint
   • a photograph with a matte finish

Noun

1. the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss