Phrasal verb
fade out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
fade out
Past
faded out
Past participle
faded out
Definition
phrasal verb. to slowly disappear or become quieter until you cannot see or hear it anymore.
phrasal verb. to decrease gradually in volume or visibility until silence or darkness is reached. It functions both intransitively and transitively, particularly in audio-visual contexts.
Examples
“The music begins to fade out at the end of the song.”
“As the sun set, the bright colors of the sky started to fade out into a deep purple.”
“The film ends with a slow fade out, leaving the audience to reflect on the protagonist's final words in the gathering darkness.”
Examples
simple
“The music begins to fade out at the end of the song.”
contextual
“As the sun set, the bright colors of the sky started to fade out into a deep purple.”
complex
“The film ends with a slow fade out, leaving the audience to reflect on the protagonist's final words in the gathering darkness.”
Usage
commonly describes the gradual ending of sounds, lights, or cinematic scenes.
Teaching tip
compare with 'fade in' to show the opposite process, and note that 'fade out' is the standard technical term in audio and video editing.
Pitfall
The radio signal started to fade off.
The radio signal started to fade out.
the particle 'out' is the standard choice for signals or sounds disappearing; 'off' is not used in this context.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
fade (+ object) + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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