Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To change from the original or desired colour, typically in an undesirable way, often due to the effects of light, age, chemicals, or dirt. It can refer to the process of becoming stained, faded, or otherwise altered in hue.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, it means to cause something to change colour.
  • Example: The harsh sunlight will discolour the fabric over time.
• As an intransitive verb, it means to undergo a change in colour.
  • Example: The old newspaper had discoloured to a yellowish-brown.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • Spilling red wine can discolour a white tablecloth.
  • Certain cleaning products may discolour the surface of the bathtub.
• Intransitive use:
  • The leaves begin to discolour in the autumn.
  • The plastic on the old toys had discoloured with age.

Advanced Usage

• "to discolour with age": to change colour as a result of growing old.
  • The once-white marble statue has discoloured with age.
• "to become discoloured": a common passive/descriptive construction indicating the state of having changed colour.
  • The ceiling had become discoloured by water damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Discoloration (noun): The process or result of discolouring; a stained or faded spot.
  • There was a noticeable discoloration on the wall.
• Discoloured (adjective): Having lost or changed from the original colour.
  • He replaced the discoloured tiles.

Synonyms

• Stain: To mark or discolour with something that is not easily removed.
• Fade: To lose brightness or colour gradually.
• Tarnish: To lose lustre, especially of metals; to discolor.
• Bleach: To make white or colourless, often a specific type of discolouration.

Antonyms

• Colour (verb): To give colour to.
• Brighten: To make or become more bright or colourful.

Related Phrases

• "Discolour from exposure": to change colour due to being subjected to elements like sun or air.
  • The painting discoloured from exposure to direct sunlight.
• "Discolour around the edges": to change colour specifically at the boundaries.
  • The document had discoloured around the edges.

Verb

1. change color, often in an undesired manner
   • The shirts discolored