Definition

Having lost color or brightness, often appearing pale or white.

Example

After spending too much time in the sun, her skin looked blanched and unhealthy.

Conversation

Have you noticed how blanched the leaves look this season?

Yeah, they really do seem to lack their usual color.

It makes the whole area feel a bit dull, doesn't it?

Definitely, I hope they regain their vibrancy soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To have briefly boiled food in water or steam to remove color or to prepare it for freezing.

Example

The chef blanched the vegetables before adding them to the stir-fry.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how I blanched the vegetables before cooking them?

Yes! They looked so vibrant afterward.

I think blanched veggies really do taste better.

Root Explanation

Blanched comes from the Old French word 'blanchir' (meaning to whiten), which is derived from the Latin 'blancus' (meaning white). The word 'blanched' refers to the process of making something white or pale, often by scalding it briefly in boiling water.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'blanchir' meaning to make something white — that's why 'blanched' describes something that has been made pale or white.

Visually Confused Words