VocabDictionary

pale

/peɪl/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Light in color or having little color; lacking intensity or saturation.

Example Sentences:
  • She wore a pale yellow dress to the spring wedding.
  • The walls were painted a pale shade of blue.
2.adjective

Having a skin color that is lighter than usual, typically because of illness, fear, fatigue, or lack of sun.

Example Sentences:
  • He looked very pale after hearing the shocking news.
  • Months of working indoors left her skin pale.
3.verb

To become pale in complexion, typically as a result of fear, shock, or illness.

Example Sentences:
  • She paled when she saw the ambulance pull up to her house.
  • His face paled at the mention of the danger.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “pale”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'pale', from Old French 'pale' (faint, wan), from Latin 'pallidus' (pale, wan), related to 'pallere' (to be pale). The noun meaning a boundary or enclosed territory (as in 'beyond the pale') comes from Latin 'pālus' (stake), referring to a stake used in a fence.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a vampire who stays out of the sun and turns PALE like paper.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “pale

1. What is the meaning of “pale” in English?

In English, pale (adjective) is defined as: “Light in color or having little color; lacking intensity or saturation.”.

2. How do you use “pale” in a sentence?

She wore a pale yellow dress to the spring wedding.

3. What are English synonyms of “pale”?

Common synonyms include:wan,ashen,pasty,light,faint

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “pale”?

Derived from Middle English 'pale', from Old French 'pale' (faint, wan), from Latin 'pallidus' (pale, wan), related to 'pallere' (to be pale). The noun meaning a boundary or enclosed territory (as in 'beyond the pale') comes from Latin 'pālus' (stake), referring to a stake used in a fence.