pale

Definitions (2)

1adjectiveHaving a light or washed-out color, often due to lack of pigment or exposure to light.

The walls were painted a pale shade of blue.

Her face turned pale when she heard the news.

The pale light of dawn crept through the window.

2verbTo become less intense or fade in color or strength.

The colors of the old photograph have paled over time.

His enthusiasm paled as the project dragged on.

The bright lights began to pale as the sun rose.

Word Origin

Language

Latin

Original word

pallidus

Originally meant

lacking color

Background

The word 'pale' comes from the Latin 'pallidus', which means lacking color. It entered the English language in the Middle Ages, originally describing a lack of color in the face due to fear or illness.

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