fade away
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To gradually become weaker, less distinct, or less intense until disappearing or becoming imperceptible. It describes a slow, continuous diminishment of presence, force, sound, or visibility.
Usage
This verb is intransitive; it does not take a direct object. It describes the subject's own process of diminishing. - Use it to describe sounds that slowly become quieter. - Use it to describe memories, feelings, or impressions that gradually become less vivid. - Use it to describe visibility or light that slowly diminishes. - It often carries a gentle, sometimes melancholic, connotation of gradual disappearance.
Examples
- The music from the radio faded away as we drove farther from the city.
- As the years passed, the pain of that loss slowly faded away.
- The last light of the sunset faded away behind the mountains.
- His voice faded away to a whisper as he fell asleep.
Advanced Usage
- To fade away into silence/nothingness/the distance: This structure emphasizes the final state or direction of the fading process.
- The old trail eventually faded away into the dense forest.
- Used figuratively for abstract concepts like hope, traditions, or fame.
- That particular custom has largely faded away in modern society.
Variants and Related Words
- Fade (verb): The base form, meaning to lose brightness, color, or strength gradually.
- Fade out (verb): Very similar to "fade away," often used specifically for sound or image in media (e.g., film, music). "Fade away" has broader application.
- Fading (noun/adjective): The process or state of losing strength or vividness.
- the fading light of dusk.
Synonyms
- Diminish: To become or make less.
- Dwindle: To become gradually less until little remains.
- Wane: To decrease in vigor, power, or extent (often used for the moon, influence, or interest).
- Ebb: To recede or fall away, like the tide; often used for strength or life.
- Dissipate: To scatter or disperse, causing to disappear.
Phrasal Verbs
- Fade out: To diminish gradually, especially to silence or blankness. Common in technical contexts (audio, video).
- The song fades out at the end instead of stopping abruptly.
Related Idioms
- Fade into obscurity: To gradually become forgotten or unknown, especially after a period of fame or notice.
- After his one hit song, the singer quickly faded into obscurity.
Verb
- become weaker
- The sound faded out