Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Disappearing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔮
Add to dictionary

disappearing

[ˌdɪsəˈpɪərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

magic

Gradually vanishing or becoming invisible.

Synonyms

evanescent, fading, vanishing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disappearing

Use this word when referring to something or someone going out of sight or becoming invisible, often gradually or permanently.

  • The magician's trick involved a disappearing coin
  • His interest in the project was gradually disappearing
vanishing

This word usually implies something suddenly going out of sight or ceasing to exist.

  • The ghostly figure seemed to be vanishing into thin air
  • Endangered species are vanishing at an alarming rate
fading

This word is used when something is losing its brightness, color, or strength over time.

  • The colors of the old photograph were fading
  • Her memories of that summer were slowly fading away
evanescent

This is a more poetic or formal term used to describe something fleeting, temporary, or vanishing quickly.

  • The beauty of the evanescent sunset left everyone in awe
  • Childhood is an evanescent phase in life

Examples of usage

  • The magician performed a disappearing act, making the rabbit disappear in front of the audience.
  • The disappearing ink left no trace of the secret message.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

The action of ceasing to be visible or available.

Synonyms

evanescence, fading, vanishing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disappearing

Use this word in the same way as 'disappearing' above. It repeats, meaning there is likely a mistake. Please disregard.
vanishing

Use 'vanishing' to describe something disappearing suddenly and completely, often in a mysterious or unexplained manner.

  • The footprints in the sand were vanishing, leaving no trace behind
  • He turned around for a second, and when he looked back, the cat was vanishing into the alley
fading

Utilize 'fading' when something is gradually becoming dim, weaker, or less distinct. This can apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts like memories or feelings.

  • The colors in the painting were fading after years of exposure to sunlight
  • Her voice started fading away as she walked down the hallway
evanescence

This word is more poetic and formal, usually indicating something fleeting or delicate that fades quickly. Use it in literary or artistic contexts.

  • The evanescence of the morning mist created a beautiful, transient scene
  • The evanescence of youth is a common theme in poetry

Examples of usage

  • The app offers a disappearing message feature for added privacy.
  • The disappearing of the file from the server raised concerns about data security.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Perception of disappearing objects can be linked to factors like attention and memory; what we focus on can influence what we notice or overlook.
  • Cognitive scientists study how objects can seem to disappear from view based on changes in light and our line of sight.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of disappearing is often featured in magic tricks and illusions, providing a sense of wonder and mystery.
  • Several famous songs and movies explore themes of disappearance, such as the Vanishing of a loved one in romance and mystery genres.

Environmental Science

  • Many species are disappearing due to climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, raising concerns about biodiversity.
  • The phenomenon of 'collapsing ecosystems' illustrates how complex interactions can lead to rapid changes and disappearance of species.

Literature

  • In novels, disappearing characters often represent loss or transformation, providing a powerful narrative device for change.
  • Classic fairy tales, like 'Alice in Wonderland', use the theme of disappearance to highlight the strange and whimsical nature of the stories.

Origin of 'disappearing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'disparoir', which means 'to cease to be visible'.
  • In Latin, 'dis-', a prefix meaning 'apart' or 'away', and 'apare', meaning 'to appear', combine to form the root of the word.

The word 'disappearing' is derived from the verb 'disappear,' which dates back to the late 15th century. The prefix 'dis-' signifies removal or reversal, while 'appear' originates from the Latin 'apparere,' meaning 'to come into sight.' Over the centuries, 'disappearing' has been used to describe various instances of things gradually vanishing, whether through magic tricks or technological advancements.

See also: apparent, apparition, appear, appearance, appearances, appearing, disappear, disappearance, disappeared, reappear, reappearance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,863, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.