Pale
/peɪl/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving a complexion that is light in color, often due to illness, fear, or emotional distress.
/peɪl/
Of a person's face or complexion, light in color; typically as a result of illness, fear, or unhappiness.
Her pale face showed she wasn't feeling well.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really scared or not feeling well, and your skin looks lighter than usual – that's being pale! Think of a time you got spooked.
👶 For kids: When someone is pale, their skin is light-colored, like they're a little bit see-through.
More Examples
The moon cast a pale glow on the landscape.
He looked pale and unwell after the long journey.
How It's Used
"The patient's face was pale due to the blood loss."
"Her face went pale when she heard the news."
Lacking intensity or brightness of color; light in hue.
/peɪl/
Light in color; lacking intensity of color.
The sky was a pale pink at dawn.
💡 Simply: Imagine the color of the sky just before sunrise, or a light, soft shade of any color. That's pale! Like a pastel drawing.
👶 For kids: When something is pale, it has a light color, like baby blue instead of dark blue.
More Examples
She wore a pale yellow dress.
The flowers had pale, delicate petals.
How It's Used
"The artist used pale colors to create a soft, ethereal effect."
"The dress was a pale blue, almost white."
To become lighter in color, usually in the face, as a result of fear, shock, or illness.
/peɪl/
To lose color; become pale.
Her face paled when she saw the accident.
💡 Simply: When you get really scared or worried, and your face loses its color, that's when you pale! Like when you hear a loud noise!
👶 For kids: When your face turns light-colored because you're scared or not feeling well.
More Examples
He paled at the thought of failing the exam.
The victim paled as he relived the event.
How It's Used
"Her cheeks paled as she realized the danger."
"His face paled with surprise."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Beyond the pale
Outside the bounds of what is considered acceptable behavior; exceeding the limits of propriety or decency.
"Their behavior was considered beyond the pale, even by their own standards."
To turn pale
To become pale or lose color in one's face.
"She turned pale when she heard the bad news."
From Old French *palle*, from Latin *pallidus* ('pale, wan'), from *pallēre* ('to be pale').
The word 'pale' has been used to describe color and complexion since the Middle Ages, with its use reflecting an understanding of both physical and emotional states.