fade

fade · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To gradually grow faint and disappear.

  2. 2.

    To lose color, brightness, or vividness.

  3. 3.

    (of a person) To lose strength, health, or vitality.

  4. 4.

    (noun) A gradual decrease in the brightness of an image or volume of sound.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fade away — gradually disappear
  • •
    fade out — gradually become less visible or audible
  • •
    fade into the background — become inconspicuous

Related words

Antonyms: brighten, intensify, strengthen
See also: diminish, disappear, faded, fading
Synonyms: dim, diminish, wane, weaken

Etymology

From Old French fader meaning "to become weak, wilt," probably from Vulgar Latin fatidare, from Latin fatuus meaning "tasteless, insipid." Entered English in the 14th century.