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fade

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈfeɪd// UK //fˈeɪd// fade Archaic Slang

v. to slowly lose color, brightness, or strength until something disappears.

v. to gradually lose intensity, brightness, or clarity; to diminish in strength or vitality over time.


SIMPLE

The bright colors of the shirt fade after many washes.

CONTEXTUAL

As the sun began to set, the music from the street festival started to fade into the distance.

COMPLEX

The candidate's early lead began to fade as more voters learned about his controversial past, eventually leaving him trailing in the polls.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English fade, vad, vade (“faded, pale, withered, weak”), from Middle Dutch vade (“weak, faint, limp”), from Old French fade (“weak, witless”), of obscure origin. Probably from Vulgar Latin *fatidus, from Latin fatuus (“insipid”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English fade, fede, of uncertain origin. Compare Old English ġefæd (“orderly, tidy, discreet, well-regulated”). See also fad.

Usage

Often used with 'away' or 'out' to emphasize the process of disappearing completely.

Idioms2 entries

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