fade away — to gradually disappear or become less clear, loud, or strong until it no longer exists
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to gradually disappear or become less clear, loud, or strong until it no longer exists
Pronunciation (IPA): /feɪd əˈweɪ/
Example Sentences
- My New Year's resolutions always fade away by February.
- The old man watched his youth fade away in the mirror every morning.
- As the WiFi signal faded away, so did my will to live.
fade away
VERB[/feɪd əˈweɪ/]
to gradually disappear or become less clear, loud, or strong until it no longer exists
The old photograph on the wall began to fade away over the years.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'fade' derives from Old French 'fader' (to lose color, wither), which is related to Latin 'vapidus' (dull, lifeless), conveying the image of something gradually losing vitality. 'Away' comes from Old English 'on weg' (off the way, departing), meaning to move away or depart. Together, 'fade away' combines these senses to describe something gradually disappearing or losing strength.
Breakdown
fade (Old French fader, to lose color or wither) + away (Old English on weg, off the way, departing). The compound suggests a gradual dimming and departure, as if something slowly loses intensity and vanishes into distance.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My New Year's resolutions always fade away by February.”
“The old man watched his youth fade away in the mirror every morning.”
“As the WiFi signal faded away, so did my will to live.”
“The cheers from the crowd slowly faded away as the stadium emptied.”
“His excuse for being late faded away the moment his boss saw the golf clubs in his car.”
📚Related Words
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