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fade

v. · n.
US //ˈfeɪd// UK //fˈeɪd// fade
  1. 1 to lose color (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to lose brightness or color, usually because of age or sunlight.

    to lose freshness, color, or brightness gradually over time.

    Example

    The blue curtains started to fade after hanging in the sunny window for years.

    Example

    The vibrant pigments in the tapestry had begun to fade, leaving only a ghostly suggestion of the original scene.
  2. 2 to disappear slowly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to become weaker or quieter until something disappears completely.

    to diminish in intensity, volume, or visibility until no longer perceptible.

    Example

    The sound of the car engine slowly faded as it drove down the road.

    Example

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the last remnants of daylight faded into a deep purple twilight.
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  1. 3 a haircut (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a hairstyle where the hair is very short on the sides and longer on top.

    a haircut characterized by a gradual transition from short or shaved hair at the neckline to longer hair on the crown.

    Example

    He went to the barber to get a fresh fade before the wedding.

    Example

    The barber demonstrated a high-taper fade, meticulously blending the hair to create a seamless transition from skin to length.

  2. 4 audio/video transition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Music

    a slow change where a picture or sound gets darker or quieter.

    a gradual change in the intensity of an image or the volume of an audio signal.

    Example

    The song ends with a long fade so the next track can start smoothly.

    Example

    The director opted for a slow fade to black to emphasize the somber mood of the final scene.
  3. 5 to bet against (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang American English Gambling

    to bet against another person in a game of chance.

    to accept or cover a bet in gambling, particularly in dice games or sports betting.

    Example

    I decided to fade his bet because I didn't think he had a good hand.

    Example

    Experienced gamblers often fade the public's favorite team when the betting lines become too inflated by emotional bias.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and takes the person or the bet as its object.
  4. 6 a fight (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    a physical fight or a serious argument.

    a physical confrontation or altercation.

    Example

    He was acting tough and looked like he wanted to catch a fade.

    Example

    The tension in the club was palpable, with several groups looking ready to catch a fade over the slightest provocation.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used in the phrase 'catch a fade', meaning to get into a fight or be beaten up.
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.

Idioms2 entries

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