Pâle (en. Pale)

/pɛl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
having a washed-out or low-intensity color.
She wore a pale dress that blended with the decor.
Elle portait une robe pâle qui se fondait avec le décor.
lacking energy, life, or intensity.
His pale gaze betrayed his fatigue.
Son regard pâle trahissait sa fatigue.
which is lightly colored, with low brightness.
The sky was pale due to the fog.
Le ciel était pâle sous l'effet du brouillard.

Etymology

From Latin 'pallidus', which means 'pale, wan'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pale as a sheet
very pale, often due to fear or illness.
pâle comme un linge
to look insipid
to have a less impressive appearance compared to something else.
faire pâle figure

Related Words

paleness
State of being pale, lack of color in the complexion.
pâleur
faded
Which has lost its color due to washing or exposure.
délavé
wan
Which is of a sickly pallor.
blême

Slang Meanings

Refers to a person who is not in good shape or seems tired.
After this weekend, he looks really pale.
Après ce week-end, il a l'air vraiment pâle.
Can refer to someone lacking character or charisma.
That guy is a bit pale in the group.
Ce gars-là est un peu pâle dans le groupe.