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Discolor: meaning, definitions and examples

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discolor

 

[dɪsˈkʌlər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

change in color

To change or cause to change from a perfect to an imperfect color, often by exposure to air or sunlight. Discolor can also refer to the process of losing the original color intensity or brightness.

Synonyms

fade, stain, taint, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discolor

Typically used in situations where something changes color due to exposure to light, chemicals, or age without necessarily becoming dirty or stained.

  • The curtains began to discolor after years of sun exposure
  • The shirt has started to discolor in the wash
stain

Used when a substance causes a mark that is hard to remove, and often it has a slightly negative connotation.

  • She accidentally spilled wine and stained the tablecloth
  • The ink from the pen stained his shirt pocket
tarnish

Generally used for metals that lose their shine and become dull, but also used metaphorically for spoiling someone's image or reputation.

  • Silver jewelry can tarnish if not stored properly
  • The athlete's performance tarnished his previous achievements
fade

Often used when colors become less bright over time, usually because of light or washing. It can also be used for sounds and memories when they become less strong.

  • The vibrant red of the carpet began to fade after months in the sunlight
  • His memories of the event started to fade over the years
taint

Refers to something being affected in a negative or undesirable way, often related to reputation, purity or quality.

  • The scandal tainted his reputation beyond repair
  • The water supply is tainted with harmful chemicals

Examples of usage

  • The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun for too long.
  • The metal discolors easily when exposed to certain chemicals.
  • The paint on the wall started to discolor due to moisture.
  • The fruits will discolor if not treated with lemon juice.
  • His teeth began to discolor from excessive coffee consumption.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'discolor' comes from Latin 'discolor', meaning 'different colors', which has been used in English since the 14th century.
  • The prefix 'dis-' suggests removal or negation, indicating a shift from its original color.

Art

  • In art restoration, discoloration can occur due to exposure to light, moisture, or pollution, impacting the integrity of paintings.
  • Certain pigments are more prone to discoloration over time, which is a challenge for preserving historical artworks.

Science

  • Discoloration is a common phenomenon in plants due to factors like sunlight, pests, or diseases that affect leaf color.
  • In food science, discoloration often indicates spoilage, such as when fruits turn brown due to oxidation.

Psychology

  • People may perceive colors differently based on their emotions; a room with discolored walls can affect one’s mood and feelings of comfort.
  • Research shows that colors can influence how we feel and act, making the concept of discoloration significant in design and branding.

Fashion

  • Discoloration in fabrics, such as fading jeans or shirts, can be seen as stylish in some fashion trends, making them more 'vintage'.
  • Detergents and washing methods that prevent discoloration are important for maintaining clothing appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "discolor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descolorir

🇮🇳 रंग बदलना

🇩🇪 verfärben

🇮🇩 memudarkan

🇺🇦 знебарвлювати

🇵🇱 odbarwiać

🇯🇵 色を変える (いろをかえる)

🇫🇷 décolorer

🇪🇸 decolorar

🇹🇷 renksizleştirmek

🇰🇷 변색시키다

🇸🇦 تغيير اللون

🇨🇿 odbarvit

🇸🇰 odfarbiť

🇨🇳 褪色

🇸🇮 razbarvati

🇮🇸 aflita

🇰🇿 түсін өзгерту

🇬🇪 ფერის შეცვლა

🇦🇿 rəngini dəyişmək

🇲🇽 decolorar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,105, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.