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Whitened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'whitened'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'whiten' originated from the Old English word 'hwītan', which means 'to become white'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the process of making something white or whiter in color.

See also: white, whiten, whitener, whiteness, whitening, whiteout, whiter, whitewater.

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.