Dye
/daɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo color or stain something using a dye or pigment.
/daɪ/
To color a substance, typically fabric, with a dye.
The artist decided to dye the fabric purple.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a plain white t-shirt. 'Dye' is like painting it with a special color that sticks to the fabric, making it a cool new shade! It’s how you get colorful clothes!
👶 For kids: To change the color of something, like clothes or hair.
More Examples
She spent the afternoon dyeing Easter eggs.
They were dyeing the t-shirts for the charity event.
How It's Used
"She dyed her hair blue."
"The factory dyes cotton fabric."
A coloring agent used to impart a color.
/daɪ/
A substance used to color materials, such as fabric or hair.
The antique rug was faded, but the weaver used a special dye to restore its colors.
💡 Simply: Think of it as the magic color potion that makes things change color, like the colors you see on your favorite clothes or in your art projects.
👶 For kids: A color-maker that you can use to color things.
More Examples
The blue dye didn't come out of the fabric.
Natural dyes, like those from plants, are often considered more environmentally friendly.
How It's Used
"The fabric was treated with a natural dye."
"This hair dye is ammonia-free."
From Old English *dēag*, from Proto-Germanic *daugō*, related to the color or application of color to a material. Originally referred to a coloring substance, but has evolved to encompass both the substance and the action of coloring.
The word 'dye' has existed for centuries, initially referring to natural substances used for coloring textiles. Over time, the term has expanded to include synthetic coloring agents.
Memory tip
Think of the 'die' of a color as being spread onto a surface. 'Die' to the original color and embrace the new one!