Fading: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'fading' to describe a gradual decrease in light, color, or strength over time. It often implies a slow, continuous process.

• The sunlight is fading as evening approaches
• Her memories of that day are slowly fading away

Use 'disappear' when something vanishes completely from sight or existence. This word implies a sudden or complete removal.

• The magician made the coin disappear
• The plane disappeared from the radar

Use 'vanish' to describe something that goes away suddenly and completely, often in a way that is mysterious or unexpected.

• The cat vanished as soon as we opened the door
• All hopes of finding the treasure seemed to vanish after the storm

Use 'diminish' to indicate a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. It often applies to both tangible and intangible things and suggests that something is becoming less effective or noticeable.

• The sound of the music began to diminish as we walked away
• His influence in the company has diminished over the years

This term is often used when referring to something that is gradually losing its color or brightness over time.

• The colors of the old photograph are fading.
• Her jeans are fading after many washes.

This word is used to describe something becoming lighter in color, sometimes naturally and sometimes with assistance.

• Her freckles are lightening from lack of sun exposure.
• He is lightening the paint color in the living room for a brighter look.

This term is most commonly used when something is deliberately made lighter or whiter, often through the use of chemicals.

• She is bleaching her hair to make it look blonder.
• The sun is bleaching the fabric on the patio furniture.

This phrase is used to describe the complete or partial absence of color from an object or surface, often resulting in a less vibrant appearance.

• There is a noticeable loss of color in the painting over the years.
• After spending time in the sun, there was a loss of color in her hair.