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Discolored Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discolored

[dɪsˈkʌlərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Having lost or been deprived of its natural color; faded or stained.

Synonyms

discoloured, faded, stained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discolored

When something has changed color, often due to damage, aging, or exposure to elements.

  • The carpet became discolored after years of sunlight
  • Her tooth was discolored and needed treatment
stained

When a surface has marks that are difficult to remove, often caused by spills, dirt, or other substances.

  • The wine spilled and stained the tablecloth
  • Her hands were stained with ink after writing all day
faded

When a color or brightness has diminished over time, typically due to exposure to light, weather, or washing.

  • The curtains have faded after years of hanging in the sun
  • His blue jeans are faded from frequent use
discoloured

This is the British English spelling of 'discolored' and is used in the same contexts.

  • The white shirt was discoloured from too many washes
  • They were concerned about the discoloured patch on the wall

Examples of usage

  • The discolored leaves indicated a problem with the plant's health.
  • The discolored patches on the wall were evidence of water damage.
  • The discolored teeth were a result of poor dental hygiene.
Context #2 | Verb

change

To change or alter the natural color of something, often as a result of exposure to light, air, or chemicals.

Synonyms

stain, taint, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discolored

Used when something has changed color, usually in an unattractive or unintended way. It's often used for fabrics, skin, or surfaces that have lost their original color.

  • The white shirt became discolored after being washed with red clothes
  • The old photograph had discolored over time
stain

Refers to a spot or mark, often from a liquid, that is difficult to remove. It implies a lasting mark on fabric, surfaces, or even reputation.

  • She tried to remove the wine stain from the carpet
  • The scandal left a stain on his career
tarnish

Usually describes the loss of luster or shine on metals like silver or brass. Can also be used metaphorically to refer to someone's reputation losing its good quality.

  • The silverware began to tarnish after years of neglect
  • The scandal tarnished the politician's image
taint

Used when something is spoiled or ruined, often in a moral or ethical sense. It can describe the influence of something undesirable on purity or quality.

  • The report was tainted by biased opinions
  • His reputation was tainted by the allegations

Examples of usage

  • The fabric was discolored after being washed with bleach.
  • The metal discolored over time due to oxidation.
  • The fruit discolored quickly when left out in the sun.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Artists often use discolored elements to convey emotional states in their paintings, suggesting feelings like sadness or neglect.
  • In photography, a discolored photograph can evoke nostalgia, representing the passage of time.

Science

  • Discoloration in the natural world often signals the health of plants; for instance, yellowing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies.
  • In certain minerals, discoloration can result from exposure to light or chemical reactions, showcasing changes in the environment.

Psychology

  • Color change in objects can affect human emotions, with discolored items often evoking feelings of neglect or decay.
  • People often associate bright, vibrant colors with positivity, making the idea of discoloration linked to sadness or loss.

History

  • Historically, clothing discolored due to sun exposure or washing with harsh soaps was a sign of low status, as those who could afford fine fabrics maintained their brightness.
  • In ancient times, discoloration in artworks was sometimes seen as a way to determine authenticity, as aging could reveal true colors.

Origin of 'discolored'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning to remove or reverse, combined with 'colored', which refers to having color.
  • It appears in English literature since the 15th century, showing a long history of its usage in describing changes in appearance.

The word 'discolored' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart, away' and the word 'color'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. Over time, 'discolored' has been used to describe the changing or fading of the natural color of objects due to various factors such as aging, exposure, or damage.

See also: color, colorant, coloration, colored, colorful, colorfulness, coloring, colors, discolor, discoloration, discoloring, multicolored.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,670, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.