whitewashing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwaɪtˌwɔːʃɪŋ/
KK: /ˈhwaɪtˌwɔʃɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of covering up or glossing over unpleasant facts or realities, often to make something appear better than it is.
Example
The company's whitewashing of its environmental record was criticized by activists.
Conversation
Have you heard about the recent controversy over whitewashing in movies?
Yeah, it's been a hot topic lately, especially with that new film.
I think it's important to address whitewashing and promote diversity in casting.
Absolutely! It's time for more authentic representation on screen.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coverup
glossing
sanitization
Antonyms
exposure
revelation
disclosure
verb
Definition
To cover up or conceal unpleasant facts or realities, often to make something appear better than it is.
Example
The company was accused of whitewashing its environmental record to attract more customers.
Tense Forms
Past: whitewashed
Past Participle: whitewashed
Conversation
Did you hear about the movie they're whitewashing?
Yeah, it's disappointing because the original story is so rich.
I can't believe they would change the characters like that.
Root Explanation
Whitewashing → It is formed from "white" (from Old English "hwita", meaning of the color white) and "washing" (from Old English "wascan", meaning to wash). The term refers to the act of washing something to make it white, often used metaphorically to describe the act of covering up or glossing over faults or wrongdoings.
Memory Tip
Think of the color 'white' representing purity and cleanliness, and 'washing' as the act of cleaning — together, they help you remember that 'whitewashing' means to cover up flaws or make something appear better than it is.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.