Word
fade
Meanings
to gradually become less bright, strong, or noticeable
to gradually disappear or diminish, especially from view or awareness
to make an image or sound gradually disappear (a transition in film or audio)
Definition
To fade is to gradually lose strength, brightness, or intensity until it is less noticeable.
To fade means to become less strong, bright, clear, or intense over time. Colors can fade in sunlight, sounds can fade as they move away, and feelings or memories can fade as time passes. It can also mean to make something gradually disappear, especially in film or music transitions.
Examples
- After months in direct sunlight, the curtains began to fade noticeably at the edges.
- As I walked farther down the corridor, the music seemed to fade into a distant hum.
- Her initial frustration started to fade once she understood the broader context.
- They watched the landscape fade into darkness as the train entered a long tunnel.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse fade with fall; fade means to gradually lose intensity, not to drop suddenly.
More at C1 level
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- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.