Fade

/feɪd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A gradual decrease in intensity or brightness.
The fade of the sunset was breathtaking.
A gradual loss of color or detail in an image or a sound.
The photograph suffered a fade over the years, losing its vibrant colors.
verb
To lose brightness, strength, or color gradually.
The colors of the painting began to fade after years of exposure to sunlight.
To gradually disappear or become less intense.
Her memory of that summer started to fade as time went on.
To become less in amount or quality.
The loud music from the party started to fade as we walked further away.

Etymology

Middle English faden, from Old English fædan

Common Phrases and Expressions

fade away
to gradually disappear or become less clear
fade into obscurity
to become less well-known or important
fade from memory
to be forgotten over time

Related Words

fading
the action of becoming less distinct or disappearing
fade-out
a gradual decrease in the volume of sound or the brightness of an image
fade-in
a gradual increase in the volume of sound or the brightness of an image

Slang Meanings

to disappear or be lost
He just faded after high school and no one saw him again.
to fade away in terms of popularity or relevance
That band was hot for a minute but they faded quickly.