# paler

/pˈeɪlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paler
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

having less color than usual, especially looking less red or brown. You use this to describe skin that looks white or a color that is less bright.

For teachers: having less color or intensity than a standard or previous state. Often used to describe a change in skin tone or a reduction in the brightness of a color.

## Examples

- He looked much paler after he got sick.
- The sky turned a paler shade of blue as the sun began to set behind the mountains.
- The artist used a paler version of the original blue to create a sense of distance and atmosphere in the background of the painting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.