whitewashed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Coated with whitewash: Describes a surface that has been painted or covered with whitewash, a mixture typically of lime, chalk, and water, used to whiten walls, fences, or other structures. 2. (Figurative) Made to appear superficially clean or respectable; glossed over: Used to describe an attempt to conceal unpleasant facts, mistakes, or wrongdoings by presenting a misleadingly positive image, often without proper investigation or correction.
Usage Examples
- Literal (Coated with whitewash):
- The small cottage looked bright and clean with its whitewashed walls.
- We walked past miles of whitewashed fences along the country road.
- Figurative (Glossed over):
- The official report was a whitewashed version of events that ignored key failures.
- The company's history of environmental violations was whitewashed in their new promotional campaign.
Advanced Usage
- "to whitewash something" (verb): The action from which the adjective is derived. It means to apply whitewash or, figuratively, to conceal faults.
- The committee was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal.
- "a whitewash" (noun): The substance itself or the act of whitewashing.
- The investigation was a complete whitewash, clearing the officials of all blame without proper evidence.
Variants and Related Words
- Whitewash (n): 1. A mixture for whitening surfaces. 2. An attempt to conceal unpleasant facts.
- Whitewash (v): To cover with whitewash; to gloss over faults.
- Whitewashing (n): The process or practice of applying whitewash or concealing the truth.
Synonyms
- Literal: Lime-washed, painted white, coated.
- Figurative: Glossed over, covered up, sanitized, sugarcoated, varnished.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "A coat of whitewash": A superficial treatment that hides the true condition.
- The reforms were just a coat of whitewash on a deeply flawed system.
Adjective
- coated with whitewash
- miles of whitewashed fences