whitewashed
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈwaɪtˌwɔʃt/
KK: /ˈhwaɪtˌwɔʃt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has been painted white, often with a type of paint that is easy to apply and remove.
Example
The old barn was whitewashed, giving it a fresh and clean appearance.
Conversation
Did you see the new fence they put up at the park?
Yeah, it looks really whitewashed and clean now.
I like how it brightens up the whole area.
Definitely! It makes the park feel more inviting.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bleached
pale
washed
Antonyms
darkened
colored
stained
verb
Definition
To cover something with a thin layer of white paint or to make something appear better than it really is by hiding unpleasant facts.
Example
The old fence was whitewashed to make it look new again.
Tense Forms
Past: whitewashed
Past Participle: whitewashed
Conversation
Did you see how they whitewashed the whole building last week?
Yeah, it looks so much brighter now!
I didn’t expect them to whitewash it so quickly.
Root Explanation
Whitewashed → It is formed from "white" (from Old English "hwita", meaning bright or colorless) and "washed" (from Old English "wascian", meaning to wash). The term "whitewashed" refers to something that has been washed with a white substance, often to cover up or conceal imperfections.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'washed' ('wascian') to make it 'bright' or 'colorless' ('hwita') — that's why whitewashed means to cover something with a white wash.
Visually Confused Words
unwhitewashed