verblassen
fade
The German word "verblassen" is a verb that means "to fade" or "to vanish". It is composed of the prefix "ver-" and the verb "blassen," which is related to "blass," meaning "pale" or "faint." "Verblassen" often describes the gradual loss of color, strength, or intensity, whether it be in memory, appearance, or even sound.
Similar words in German include "verblüffen" (to astonish or amaze, highlighting a more immediate effect), "schwächen" (to weaken), and "verblassen" in contexts of memory, such as "vergessen" (to forget).
The distinction is that while "verblassen" specifically implies a gradual fading or diminishing, "vergessen" connotes a complete loss of memory, and "schwächen" involves making something weaker, not necessarily indicating fading as in loss of vibrancy.
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Examples
Die Farben verblassen im Sonnenlicht.verb
The colors fade in the sunlight.
Mit der Zeit verblassen viele Gemälde.verb
With time, many paintings fade.
Im Sonnenlicht verblassen die Farben schnell.verb
In the sunlight, the colors fade quickly.
Die Erinnerungen an jenen Tag verblassten allmählich.verb
The memories of that day gradually faded.
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