The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

fade

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fade

To gradually diminish or disappear, typically in terms of color, brightness, or intensity.
"The excitement of the event began to fade as the evening progressed."

Detailed meaning of fade

When something fades, it loses its vibrancy, clarity, or prominence over time. It implies a slow and gradual transition from a visible or prominent state to one that is less noticeable or vivid. For example, colors can fade in a painting or photograph, where they become less vibrant or distinct. Similarly, memories can fade, indicating a gradual loss of clarity or detail over time. The verb "fade" can also describe the process of something losing strength, relevance, or influence. In this sense, it suggests a gradual decline or weakening of a particular quality or attribute. Overall, the verb "fade" portrays the gradual and often imperceptible transition from a prominent or intense state to a more subdued or diminished one.

Example sentences containing fade

1. As the sun begins to set, the vibrant colors of the day slowly fade into the hues of the night.
2. As I walked away, I could hear his laughter fade into the background.
3. My patience with his constant excuses is starting to fade.
4. The memory of that painful event will never completely fade.
5. The echo of her voice began to fade as she moved further down the hall.
6. It took a while, but the scars eventually began to fade.

History and etymology of fade

The verb 'fade' has an etymology rooted in Old French and Latin. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'fader,' which means 'to become weak' or 'to lose strength.' The Old French term, in turn, was influenced by the Latin word 'vanesco,' which means 'to vanish' or 'to disappear.' As 'fader' evolved into Middle English, it retained its core meaning of gradual weakening or diminishing, particularly in terms of color, brightness, or intensity. Thus, 'fade' reflects its historical connection to the concept of something gradually losing its vibrancy or strength, mirroring its etymological heritage from Old French and Latin.

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Further usage examples of fade

1. As the medication wore off, the pain didn't fade as I had hoped.
2. When you wash this shirt, the color may fade, so be careful.
3. The brightness of the stars seemed to fade as the city lights grew more intense.
4. The movie's impact didn't fade even after several viewings.
5. His influence on the industry will not fade anytime soon.
6. The scent of her perfume began to fade as the hours passed.
7. In time, the intense feelings of grief will fade, but they never disappear completely.
8. As I left the concert, the music began to fade, replaced by the sound of the bustling street.
9. The enthusiasm for the project began to fade after the initial excitement.
10. The popularity of the trend started to fade as a new one emerged.
11. Her hope that he would change seemed to fade with each passing day.
12. The traces of the chalk on the blackboard began to fade after a few days.
13. The promise of a new day will not fade, regardless of how tough things may seem.
14. The beauty of the mountains seemed to fade as the smog rolled in.