Whitened: meaning, definitions and examples

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whitened

[ˈwaɪtnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

teeth

To become whiter in color, especially with regards to teeth.

Synonyms

bleach, brighten, lighten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whitened	Used to describe the action of making something white as part of a routine or improvement. This word is neutral and is often used in product descriptions. The paper was whitened to make it look cleaner. Her teeth were professionally whitened at the dentist.
bleach	A chemical process to make something white or lighter. Often used in a context that involves cleaning, disinfecting, or color removal. It has a more technical and sometimes harsher implication. She had to bleach the kitchen counter to remove the stains. He bleached his hair to achieve a platinum blonde look.
lighten	Used to reduce the darkness or intensity of a color or space. Can also mean to make a mood less serious. It is typically softer and broader in application. You can lighten the wall color by choosing a pastel shade. He told jokes to lighten the atmosphere.
brighten	Used to make something more vivid, cheerful, or happy. It can apply to colors, moods, or spaces. It has a positive connotation and is more general than just changing color. Opening the curtains will brighten the room. Her smile brightened the entire evening.

Examples of usage

She whitened her teeth using a special whitening toothpaste.
Regular brushing can help whiten teeth naturally.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

clothing

To make something white or whiter in color, especially with regards to clothing.

Synonyms

bleach, brighten, lighten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whitened	Used when something has been made or has become white, typically through a process. Often refers to teeth, walls, or fabrics. Her teeth were whitened by the dentist The walls were whitened to refresh the room
bleach	Used for a chemical process to remove stains or color, often for cleaning purposes. It carries a somewhat negative connotation due to the harsh effects it can have. She used bleach to clean the mold off the bathroom tiles His shirt was accidentally bleached in the laundry
lighten	Used to describe making something less dark or heavy, in terms of color, weight, or mood. It has a more general use compared to other words. He lightened the paint by mixing it with white She decided to lighten her workload
brighten	Used when making something look more cheerful or lively, not necessarily changing its color to white. Can be used in a literal or metaphorical sense. She added colorful pillows to brighten the living room His smile seemed to brighten the whole room

Examples of usage

She whitened her white blouse to make it look new again.
Using bleach can help whiten clothes that have become dull.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'whitened' comes from the Old English word 'hwita,' meaning white.
Whitened is the past tense of 'whiten,' which means to make white, and it has been used in English since at least the 14th century.
Connected to the word 'white,' which has roots not only in English but also in various Indo-European languages indicating brightness and purity.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, being 'whitened' or the color white is associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
In some Eastern cultures, white symbolizes mourning and is used in funerals, showing the diverse meanings of color.
Fashion trends often embrace 'whitened' fabrics in summer collections, symbolizing freshness and elegance.

Science

In chemistry, to whiten something often involves bleaching agents that chemically alter the color of materials.
Whitening agents can be used in dental care products to enhance the brightness of teeth, which has a psychological benefit concerning self-esteem.
Whitened surfaces can reflect more light, which is a principle utilized in architecture to make buildings more energy-efficient.

Literature

The word has appeared in various literary works to describe scenes of winter or purity, such as in descriptions of snow-covered landscapes.
In poetry, 'whitened' may symbolize innocence lost when juxtaposed with darker themes, creating a powerful contrast.
Authors like Shakespeare used imagery of whiteness to convey themes of love and virtue versus darkness and betrayal.

Psychology

Colors can influence mood; studies show that brighter, 'whitened' environments can lead to feelings of happiness and cleanliness.
The perception of whiteness can affect people's interactions; 'whitened' spaces are often associated with increased focus and productivity.
Cognitive associations connect the color white with safety and simplicity, which impacts design in homes and public spaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "whitened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 branqueado

🇮🇳 सफेद किया हुआ

🇩🇪 gebleicht

🇮🇩 di putihkan

🇺🇦 відбілений

🇵🇱 wybielony

🇯🇵 漂白された

🇫🇷 blanchi

🇪🇸 blanqueado

🇹🇷 beyazlatılmış

🇰🇷 표백된

🇸🇦 مبيض

🇨🇿 vybělený

🇸🇰 vybielený

🇨🇳 漂白的

🇸🇮 beljen

🇮🇸 hvítt

🇰🇿 ағартылған

🇬🇪 გათეთრებული

🇦🇿 ağardılmış

🇲🇽 blanqueado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,885, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24882 strangling
24883 centigrade
24884 misshapen
24885 whitened
24886 luminaries
24887 disassembly
24888 madder
...