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Whitening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whitening

[ˈwaɪtənɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

teeth

The process of making something white or lighter in color, especially teeth.

Synonyms

bleaching, lightening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whitening

Used when referring to general processes or products that make something whiter, particularly in dental care and skin care.

  • She uses a whitening toothpaste to keep her teeth bright.
  • The cream has a whitening effect on the skin.
bleaching

Commonly used when referring to strong chemical treatments that remove color from fabrics, hair, or surfaces. Often has a more industrial or harsh connotation.

  • She bleached her hair to get that platinum blonde look.
  • The shirt was stained, so she tried bleaching it.
lightening

Used more generally for processes that make something lighter in color or tone, without the harsh connotation of bleaching. Often used for hair or skin tones.

  • She is considering lightening her hair for the summer.
  • The makeup product promises skin lightening effects.

Examples of usage

  • She had her teeth whitened at the dentist.
  • Whitening toothpaste can help remove stains from teeth.
Context #2 | Noun

skin

The act of making something white or lighter in color, especially skin.

Synonyms

bleaching, lightening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whitening

Whitening generally refers to making teeth or laundry white or lighter in color. This word often appears in contexts related to oral hygiene or cleaning products.

  • I bought a new toothpaste with whitening effects.
  • She uses a special detergent for whitening her shirts.
lightening

Lightening usually refers to making something less dark, which can include hair, skin, or even the atmosphere in a room. It has a more general and less intense meaning compared to bleaching.

  • She added highlights for a subtle lightening effect on her hair.
  • The new paint color really lightens up the room.
bleaching

Bleaching is commonly used to describe a chemical process of removing color from fabrics, hair, or even surfaces. It tends to have a stronger, more industrial connotation and can suggest damage if not used carefully.

  • They are bleaching their hair blonde for the summer.
  • She accidentally ruined her favorite dress by bleaching it.

Examples of usage

  • Many people use skin whitening products to achieve a lighter complexion.
  • Skin whitening treatments can be harmful if not used properly.

Translations

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

Origin of 'whitening'

The word 'whitening' is derived from the verb 'whiten', which is a combination of 'white' (Old English 'hwīt') and the suffix '-en'. The concept of whitening has been prevalent in human history, with various cultures using different methods to achieve lighter shades in teeth, skin, and other materials.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,762, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.