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Vanished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vanished

[หˆvรฆnษชสƒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in mystery novels

Disappear suddenly and completely.

Synonyms

disappear, evaporate, fade away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vanished

Best used when something or someone has suddenly and completely disappeared in a mysterious or unexpected manner.

  • The treasure map vanished without a trace
  • The magician's assistant vanished from the stage
disappear

Commonly used in everyday situations where something or someone is no longer visible or present. It is a general term for ceasing to be seen or to exist.

  • The sun will disappear behind the clouds soon
  • My keys seem to disappear every time I need them
fade away

Best used when something or someone gradually diminishes in visibility, importance, or presence over time. Often has a melancholic or gentle connotation.

  • The sound of the music began to fade away as we left the venue
  • Memories from my childhood are starting to fade away
evaporate

Typically used in relation to the physical process of liquid turning into vapor, but can also be used metaphorically to describe something that gradually becomes less noticeable or important.

  • The water will evaporate if you leave it in the sun
  • His enthusiasm for the project seemed to evaporate over time

Examples of usage

  • She vanished without a trace.
  • The magician made the rabbit vanish into thin air.
Context #2 | Adjective

in urban legends

Having disappeared without a trace; no longer existing.

Synonyms

disappeared, lost, missing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vanished

Use when something has disappeared suddenly and completely, often with a sense of mystery or without a trace.

  • The magician's assistant vanished into thin air
  • The ancient civilization vanished centuries ago
disappeared

Use for something or someone that is no longer visible or present, with no strong connotation of mystery or permanence.

  • The sun disappeared behind the clouds
  • His car disappeared from the driveway
missing

Use when something or someone is not where it is expected to be, often implying concern or the need to search for it.

  • The child has been missing for two days
  • There are several files missing from the report
lost

Use when something is unable to be found, often implying confusion or a sense of not knowing where it is.

  • I lost my keys somewhere in the house
  • He felt lost in the new city

Examples of usage

  • The vanished city was said to be cursed.
  • They investigated the case of the vanished treasure.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, the concept of vanishing is often used to create suspense or mystery, as seen in stories where characters mysteriously disappear.
  • Classic works, such as Shakespeare's plays, frequently explore themes of loss and disappearance, heightening emotional stakes for the audience.
  • Modern fantasy literature often involves characters or objects that can vanish as part of magical transformations or spells.

Psychology

  • The act of vanishing can symbolize psychological concepts like denial or repression, where individuals 'disappear' certain memories or feelings.
  • In therapeutic contexts, discussing feelings of having vanished or not belonging can provide insights into an individualโ€™s emotional state.
  • The fear of being forgotten or disappearing is a common theme in human experience and can affect self-esteem and identity.

Pop Culture

  • The trope of characters vanishing is popular in movies and shows, often as a plot twist or dramatic element, notably in science fiction and horror genres.
  • Magic acts, such as those performed by famous illusionists, often include the vanishing of a person or object to captivate audiences.
  • Popular video games often feature characters that can temporarily vanish, adding dynamics to gameplay and strategy.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of vanishing can relate to particles appearing and disappearing in quantum mechanics, which intrigues scientists.
  • The idea of things vanishing can also represent changes in states of matter, like when ice melts away into water, seemingly disappearing.
  • In ecological terms, certain species can vanish from an environment due to habitat loss or climate change, raising awareness about biodiversity.

Origin of 'vanished'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vanished' comes from the Old French word 'vanir,' meaning 'to disappear' or 'to come to naught.'
  • In Middle English, 'vanishen' was used in literature to describe something that faded away.
  • The root of the word has connections to the Latin 'vanus,' meaning 'empty' or 'void,' reflecting the idea of absence.

The word 'vanished' originates from the Middle English word 'avaunissen', which means 'to send away'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the act of disappearing suddenly and completely. The concept of vanishing has intrigued storytellers and mystery enthusiasts, leading to its popular usage in novels, films, and urban legends.

See also: vanishing, vanishment.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,469 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.