matt

Everyday

1. Not shiny; having a dull, flat surface: «matt paint», «a matt photo». tree →
2. (a name) Matt is a boy's name, short for Matthew. tree →

In the lessons

In art and design lessons and at the paint shop, «matt» paint has no shine, while «gloss» is shiny and «satin» is in between. Photos can be printed matt or glossy. Make-up and screens can be matt too. As a name, Matt is very common in English-speaking countries.

Examples

• We painted the walls with matt white paint. tree →
• Gloss paint is shiny, but matt paint is dull. tree →
• The photos came out matt, not glossy. tree →
• Matt paint hides bumps on the wall better. tree →
• My phone has a matt screen protector to stop glare. tree →
• Matt is my best friend in class. tree →
• The artist chose a matt finish for the poster. tree →
• A matt surface does not reflect light like a mirror. tree →

Note

UK, Australia, NZ, Ireland usually spell it «matt»; the USA usually «matte»; both are correct. Do not confuse with «mat» (a small rug) or «mate» (friend). As a name it needs a capital: Matt. Not a maths word.