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Discoloured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discoloured

[dɪsˈkʌləd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Having lost or changed color, typically as a result of exposure to light or air.

Synonyms

faded, stained, tarnished.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discoloured

When something has lost its original color due to an external factor like light, air, or age. It can be used for fabric, surfaces, or even skin.

  • The old photograph was discoloured by the sunlight
  • His shirt looked discoloured after being worn for years
stained

When something has marks or spots that are difficult to remove, usually due to contact with food, drinks, or other substances. This term can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • His shirt was stained with coffee
  • The carpet in the living room had been stained with red wine
faded

When colors or shades become less bright or intense over time. Commonly used for fabrics, paintings, memories, or even sounds.

  • The curtains in the living room have faded due to constant exposure to sunlight
  • Her memory of that day has slowly faded with time
tarnished

When a shiny surface, particularly metal, loses its luster and becomes dull over time, often due to exposure to air or moisture. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a damaged reputation.

  • The silverware had tarnished and needed polishing
  • The scandal tarnished her previously sterling reputation

Examples of usage

  • The discolored leaves indicated a lack of nutrients in the soil.
  • The discolored patch on the wall was a sign of water damage.
Context #2 | Verb

transformation

To change or lose color, typically due to exposure to external factors.

Synonyms

fade, stain, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stain

When referring to a mark or spot that is difficult to remove, often caused by spilling something.

  • There is a coffee stain on the carpet.
  • Be careful not to stain your shirt with that sauce.
tarnish

Often related to metals, when describing something that has lost its shine and become dull due to exposure to air or moisture. It can also have a metaphorical negative connotation when referring to reputation.

  • The silverware has tarnished over the years.
  • The scandal tarnished his reputation.

Examples of usage

  • The paint on the old house had discolored over time.
  • The metal discolored after being exposed to harsh chemicals.

Translations

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

Origin of 'discoloured'

The word 'discoloured' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away', and the word 'coloured', which comes from the Old French word 'colorer'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the process of losing or changing color.

See also: colour, coloured, colourful.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,525, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.