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Faded: meaning, definitions and examples

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faded

 

[ˈfeɪdɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Having lost brightness, vividness, or clearness; gradually disappearing or becoming faint.

Synonyms

dim, dull, faint, pale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
faded

Often used to describe colors or objects that have lost their brightness over time due to exposure to light, age, or use. It can also describe memories and sounds that have weakened over time.

  • The old photograph had faded over the years
  • Her memories of childhood were faded but still comforting
dim

Used to describe low light levels, something not very bright, or a person who may not be very intelligent. It can also refer to a situation or prospects that seem bleak or not promising.

  • The room was dimly lit by a single candle
  • His chances of winning the race looked dim
pale

Used to describe a light or washed-out color, especially in someone's complexion when they are ill, afraid, or shocked. It can also refer to colors that are not intense.

  • She looked pale after hearing the bad news
  • The walls were painted a pale shade of blue
dull

Commonly used for something that lacks brightness, sharpness, or interest. This word can describe colors that are not vibrant, a blade that is not sharp, or a boring event or person.

  • The knife was dull and couldn’t cut through the bread
  • The lecture was so dull that half the audience fell asleep
faint

Refers to something that is barely noticeable or very weak, such as a faint smell, sound, or signal. It can also describe a weak physical state in a person.

  • She heard a faint cry for help
  • He felt faint after standing up too quickly

Examples of usage

  • The song has a faded melody that reminds me of the past.
  • Her voice sounded faded as if coming from a distant place.
  • The memories of that summer night have become faded over time.
Context #2 | Verb

color

To lose brightness or vividness of color.

Synonyms

bleach, discolor, wash out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
faded

Use 'faded' when referring to something that has lost its color or brightness over time due to natural processes or wear.

  • The colors of the painting have faded after being exposed to sunlight for many years.
  • Her old jeans were faded from years of use.
discolor

Use 'discolor' when something has changed colors in an undesirable way, often due to damage, staining, or exposure to certain elements. This term often has a negative connotation.

  • The fabric started to discolor after it got wet in the rain.
  • The metal discolored due to exposure to air and moisture.
bleach

Use 'bleach' when describing something that has been made very white or colorless, usually through the use of a chemical substance.

  • She accidentally spilled bleach on her favorite shirt, causing it to turn white.
  • The towels were bleached to remove any stains.
wash out

Use 'wash out' to describe when colors have become less vibrant or faded due to repeated washing.

  • The shirt's colors washed out after several washes.
  • My favorite sweater is starting to wash out and lose its brightness.

Examples of usage

  • The old painting has started to fade due to exposure to sunlight.
  • The red curtains have faded to a light pink color.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'faded' comes from the Middle English term 'faden,' which means to take away or lose color.
  • Related words in Old English, like 'fāded' or 'fǣde', gave clues to its relationship with light and visibility.
  • The term has roots in the Latin word 'fader', meaning weak or feeble.

Art

  • Artists often use fading techniques to create depth in paintings, allowing for a sense of distance.
  • Faded colors in artwork can evoke feelings of nostalgia, as if the piece tells a story of the past.
  • In photography, fading can happen due to exposure to sunlight, which can change the colors over time.

Psychology

  • Faded memories can sometimes be triggered by certain sights or smells, reminding us of people or moments from our past.
  • Psychologists often study how our emotional connections can fade memories, making certain experiences less impactful over time.
  • The phenomenon of 'source amnesia' explains how people might forget the details of a memory but still feel its emotion.

Fashion

  • Faded denim jeans have become a trendy fashion choice, symbolizing a relaxed, lived-in style.
  • Designers often create intentionally faded patterns to give clothing a vintage look.
  • Fading in fabrics can be an indication of wear, showcasing a garment's journey over time.

Nature

  • Flowers can fade as they age, with colors becoming less vibrant, showing the cycle of life.
  • In seasons like fall, leaves may fade from green to shades of yellow or brown, indicating their transition.
  • Animals might fade in coloration for camouflage, blending into their surroundings as they age.

Translations

Translations of the word "faded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desbotado

🇮🇳 म्लान

🇩🇪 verblasst

🇮🇩 pudar

🇺🇦 зів'ялий

🇵🇱 wyblakły

🇯🇵 色あせた (iroaseta)

🇫🇷 délavé

🇪🇸 desvanecido

🇹🇷 solmuş

🇰🇷 바랜 (baren)

🇸🇦 باهت

🇨🇿 vybledlý

🇸🇰 vyblednutý

🇨🇳 褪色的 (tuìsè de)

🇸🇮 zbledele

🇮🇸 fölnað

🇰🇿 құбылған

🇬🇪 გაფერმკრთალებული

🇦🇿 solğun

🇲🇽 desvanecido

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,366 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.