word
sfumato
sfoo-MAH-toh
sfuːˈmɑːtoʊListen
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Syllable breakdown
sfumato
Dictionary meaning
A painting technique that softens outlines into subtle transitions of tone and color.
History and origin
Italian sfumare, meaning 'to evaporate like smoke'.
Examples
- Leonardo used sfumato to blur the edges of the sitter's smile.
Common mispronunciations
suh-FYOO-mah-toh
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