fade
fayd
Fade (verb) means to gradually lose colour, brightness, strength, or intensity. Example: “The curtains had faded badly in the sunlight.”
verb
1
To gradually lose colour, brightness, strength, or intensity.
"The curtains had faded badly in the sunlight."
"His enthusiasm for the project faded after a few weeks."
noun
1
A haircut that is shaved very short at the sides and back, blending into longer hair on top.
"He got a sharp fade before the wedding."
2
A gradual dimming of picture or sound, often used to end a scene or song.
"The film ends with a slow fade to black."
How to use fade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLosing strength, colour or presence bit by bit — or, as a noun, a specific short-sided haircut.
Common pairings
fade away
fade to black
get a fade
colours fade
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like fade.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- fades
- Third person singular
- fades
- Past tense
- faded
- Comparative
- fader, more fade
- Superlative
- fadest, most fade
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The curtains had _____ badly in the sunlight.
Etymology
From Old French fade ("weak, dull"), probably going back to a Latin word meaning "insipid" or "tasteless."
Related words
Rhymes for fade
See all rhymes for fade →Frequently asked questions
What does “fade” mean?
The word “fade” means to gradually lose colour, brightness, strength, or intensity. In plain terms, losing strength, colour or presence bit by bit — or, as a noun, a specific short-sided haircut.
How do you pronounce “fade”?
“Fade” is pronounced fayd (/feɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “fade” in a sentence?
Here is “fade” used in a sentence: “The curtains had faded badly in the sunlight.”
What part of speech is “fade”?
Depending on how it is used, “fade” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “fade” come from?
The word “fade” comes from Latin. From Old French fade ("weak, dull"), probably going back to a Latin word meaning "insipid" or "tasteless.".
Is “fade” a common word?
“Fade” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “fade” have?
“Fade” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gradually lose colour, brightness, strength, or intensity.
What is the difference between fade and fade away?
Fade on its own describes the gradual loss of colour, brightness, strength, or intensity, and can apply to sound, memory, or light. Fade away often emphasizes a slower, more complete disappearance over time, such as a sound fading away into silence or a trend fading away entirely.
What is a fade in hairstyling?
In hairstyling, a fade is a haircut shaved very short at the sides and back that gradually blends into longer hair on top, creating a smooth transition in length. It is a distinct noun sense from the verb meaning to lose colour or intensity.
What does fade mean in film or music production?
In film and music, a fade is a gradual dimming of picture or a lowering of sound volume, commonly used to end a scene or song smoothly rather than cutting abruptly. Fade in and fade out describe the two directions this effect can take.
