decoloured

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪˈkoʊləd/

KK: /dɪˈkoʊlɚd/

adjective

Definition

Having lost its color or brightness, often due to bleaching or fading.

Example

The decoloured fabric looked old and worn out.

Conversation

Have you noticed how that shirt has become decoloured after so many washes?

Yeah, it looks almost faded now, right?

I didn't expect it to lose its color so quickly.

Same here! Maybe I should start using a color-safe detergent.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bleached

faded

pale

Antonyms

vivid

bright

colored

Root Explanation

Decoloured → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "colour" (from Old French *color*, meaning hue or tint) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "decoloured" means to have had its color removed or faded away.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') a 'hue' or 'tint' ('colour') — that's why decoloured means something that has lost its color.

Visually Confused Words