Definition

The process of making something whiter or removing color, often using chemicals.

Example

The bleaching of the fabric made it look brand new again.

Conversation

I just tried bleaching my old shirts to make them look new again.

How did that go? Did it work?

Yeah, but I think I used too much — now they're super white!

At least they look fresh! Maybe you can tone them down a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something lighter in color, often by using a chemical substance.

Example

She is bleaching her hair to achieve a lighter shade.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was thinking about bleaching my hair this weekend.

Oh really? That could look cool!

Yeah, I've seen some great styles online that use bleaching.

Root Explanation

Bleaching → It is formed from "bleach" (from Old English *blēcan*, meaning to make white or to whiten) and "-ing" (a suffix used to indicate the action or process of). The word "bleaching" refers to the process of making something white or lighter in color.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for making something white — that's what bleaching means, the action of making something whiter.

Visually Confused Words