Whitewashed: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽจ
Add to dictionary

whitewashed

 

[ หˆhwaษชtหŒwษ”หสƒt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

color description

The term 'whitewashed' typically refers to something that has been painted white or made to appear white. It can also describe a situation where something is oversimplified or glossed over, hiding the more complex or unpleasant aspects. This term is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses. In literature or media, whitewashing can imply a lack of depth or authenticity.

Synonyms

bleached, overly simplified, sanitized, white-washed

Examples of usage

  • The whitewashed fence looked pristine.
  • Critics argued that the film was whitewashed.
  • The building's whitewashed walls reflected the sunlight.
  • His explanation felt whitewashed and incomplete.

Translations

Translations of the word "whitewashed" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น branqueado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคซเฅ‡เคฆ เค•เคฟเคฏเคพ เคนเฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช weiรŸgewaschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dihapus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ะปะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wybielony

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็™ฝๅก—ใ‚Šใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท blanchiment

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ blanqueado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท beyazlatฤฑlmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•˜์–—๊ฒŒ ์น ํ•ด์ง„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุจูŠู‘ุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vybฤ›lena

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vybielenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆผ‚็™ฝ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ beljen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvรญtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‚ะฐะปา“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ—แƒ แƒแƒ“ แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒขแƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸardฤฑlmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ blanqueado

Etymology

The word 'whitewashed' derives from the verb 'to whitewash', which originated in the 16th century. It initially referred to the process of applying a mixture of slaked lime, water, and pigments to surfaces, primarily for aesthetic purposes or to prevent decay. The term has evolved to encompass not only the physical act of painting or bleaching but also metaphorical uses in various contexts, such as politics or media, where it implies an attempt to conceal the truth or present a false image. The metaphorical use became common in the 20th century, especially in reference to the representation of history or cultural narratives in media, where complex subjects might be oversimplified or misrepresented. This expansion of meaning reflects societal concerns about representation and authenticity, recognizing how narratives can be sanitized to fit particular agendas.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,833, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.