Definition

1. Verb:
   • To remove colour from something; to make something lose its colour: The primary meaning of 'decolour' is the process of causing an object, substance, or material to become less coloured, pale, or colourless. It often implies a chemical or physical action that strips away pigment or dye.

Usage

• The verb 'decolour' is typically used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts, such as chemistry, textile manufacturing, or art conservation. It describes an intentional or natural process of colour removal.
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the thing that is being decoloured).
• Common Collocations: decolour a solution, decolour fabric, decour a stain, decolour hair.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The laboratory procedure required us to decolour the solution using activated charcoal.
  • Over time, the strong sunlight will decolour the vibrant curtains.
  • This chemical agent can effectively decolour the stained cloth.

Advanced Usage

• In Passive Voice: Often used to describe the state of something after the colour has been removed.
  • The fabric was completely decoloured by the harsh bleach.
• As a Gerund ('decolouring'): Refers to the process or action itself.
  • The decolouring of the wastewater is an important step in the treatment process.

Variants and Related Words

• Decolourise/Decolorize (verb): A more common variant, especially in American English, with the same meaning.
  • The filter is designed to decolorize the syrup.
• Decolourant/Decolorant (noun): A substance that causes decolouration.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is a common decolorant.
• Decolourisation/Decolorization (noun): The process or result of decolouring.
  • The decolorization of the paper was due to fungal activity.

Synonyms

• Bleach: To whiten or lighten by removing colour, often with chemicals.
• Fade: To lose brightness or colour gradually, typically due to light or washing.
• Discolour: To change to a different, usually less attractive, colour, often due to damage or stain. (Note: 'discolour' implies an undesirable change, while 'decolour' is often a deliberate or neutral process).

Antonyms

• Colour (verb): To add colour to something.
• Dye: To impart a new colour to a material.
• Tint: To give a slight colour to.

Notes on Meaning

• 'Decolour' specifically focuses on the of existing colour. It is different from 'whiten', which implies making something white, as 'decolour' can result in a pale version of the original colour or complete colourlessness.
• In the provided reference context, "The sun bleached the red shirt" is an example of a natural decolouring process, where 'bleached' is a synonym for 'decoloured'.

Verb

1. remove color from
   • The sun bleached the red shirt