nude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'nude' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, 'nude' refers to a person who is not wearing any clothes. For example: "The art gallery featured several paintings of nudes." As an adjective, 'nude' describes something that is in its natural state without any covering or decoration. For example: "The wall was painted in a beautiful nude color." You can use the word 'nude' in various contexts such as in fashion, art, or photography to describe something that is bare or exposed. For instance, "The fashion show featured models wearing nude-colored outfits" or "The artist's latest series features nude portraits of women." It is important to note that the word 'nude' can be considered a sensitive and potentially offensive term, so it should be used with caution and consideration in certain situations. It is always best to use respectful and appropriate language.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably a self-portrait, it is a gaunt, life-sized full-frontal nude with a skin-tone of bilious marshy green and orange nipples and one baleful, red, staring eye.

The Guardian - Arts

It went online on a Sunday, but it was only the following day, a work day, that a reader asked him if he'd thought about warning unsuspecting readers that the photo made the article NSFW – Not Safe For Work. "They explained," recalled Ebert, "that they read the column at work ("during lunch break", of course) and were afraid a supervisor or co-worker might see a nude on their monitor.

The Guardian

I know he'll ignore it, even if a million nude teachers, with high blood-pressure, were to crowd into parliament begging and screaming for smaller classes, but I'll say it again and again.

The Guardian

The pioneering modernist photographer took many pictures of his lover, including nude images.

The Guardian - Arts

At some shallow level there is, of course, a crass analogy that's not worth making between Lucas's stockinged nude sprawled on a chair and a Rubens woman – but it's not a revealing insight about either artist.

The Guardian - Arts

Also on display is one of the four nude paintings Freud made of Sue Tilley – known widely as Big Sue.

The Guardian - Arts

For all the bloodshed, the Icelandic landscape is beautifully photographed, and the Swedish-speaking cast is splendid, led by Gunnar Björnstrand and Eva Dahlbeck (veteran Bergman stars) and the young lovers Gitte Hænning and Oleg Vidov in the title roles, who have a tender nude love scene.

The Guardian - Film

Some have become increasingly creative in broadcasting their demand for women's rights, like Aliaa Magda Elmahdy, who caused controversy last year when she posted a nude photo of herself on her blog as an expression of outrage at the existing discrimination in Egyptian society.

The Guardian

I'm freaked" when Ringland demanded a nude photo of her, but eventually sent him intimate poses, despite protesting that this was "internet rape".

The Guardian - Tech

While PR men fretted over nude photos from the star's past, Monroe said that she'd needed the money to pay the rent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The nude body is primal, animalistic, and it is not uncommon for it to be accompanied by bared teeth or a war cry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nude" as an adjective to describe color, ensure it accurately reflects a skin-like tone to avoid misinterpretations or insensitivity.

Common error

Avoid using "nude" and "naked" interchangeably. While similar, "nude" often implies an artistic or aesthetic context, whereas "naked" is a more general term for being unclothed. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate word.

Linguistic Context

The word "nude" functions primarily as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it describes something lacking clothing or resembling bare skin tone. As a noun, it refers to a representation of the unclothed human form. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Arts

24%

Film

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Lifestyle

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nude" functions as both an adjective and a noun, commonly used to describe a state of undress or a color resembling bare skin. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news, arts, and fashion. While grammatically correct, sensitivity is needed in its application to avoid potential offense. Consider alternatives like "naked", "unclothed", or "flesh-colored" depending on the context to ensure appropriateness. "Nude" is frequently found in news and media, but its formality ranges from neutral to professional based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

naked

Refers to being without clothing; very similar in meaning but often carries a stronger connotation.

without clothing

A straightforward description of being "nude".

unclothed

A more formal and clinical term for being without clothes.

bare

Implies a lack of covering, whether it's clothing or something else; broader application than "nude".

undressed

Suggests the action of removing clothes; implies a transition to being "nude".

in the buff

An informal, somewhat humorous way of saying "nude".

in one's birthday suit

A playful idiom for being "nude".

au naturel

French term meaning "in a natural state"; implies unadorned or uncovered.

flesh-colored

Describes a color resembling bare skin; related when "nude" refers to color.

skin-colored

Similar to flesh-colored, referring to a hue that matches skin.

FAQs

How is "nude" used in art?

In art, "nude" refers to a representation of the unclothed human form, often explored for its aesthetic qualities and symbolic meanings. Sculptures, paintings, and photographs may depict "nude" figures.

What's the difference between "nude" and "naked"?

"Nude" typically carries artistic or aesthetic connotations, while "naked" is a more general term simply meaning without clothes. Consider if the context is artistic or simply descriptive when choosing between "naked" and "nude".

Can "nude" refer to a color?

Yes, "nude" can describe a color that resembles the color of bare skin. This usage is common in fashion and cosmetics, referring to "flesh-colored" or "skin-colored" tones.

Is it appropriate to use the word "nude" in all situations?

While "nude" is generally acceptable, consider the context and audience. In some situations, it might be more appropriate to use alternatives like "unclothed" or "undressed" to avoid potential offense or misinterpretation. Always use respectful and appropriate language.