yellowing
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈjɛloʊɪŋ/
KK: /ˈjɛloʊɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of turning yellow or losing brightness, often seen in leaves or paper over time.
Example
The yellowing of the leaves in autumn is a beautiful sight.
Conversation
Have you noticed the yellowing of those old photographs?
Yeah, it happens over time with exposure to light and air.
I should really find a way to preserve them better.
Definitely! Maybe we can get them digitized to avoid further yellowing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tarnishing
fading
dulling
Antonyms
brightening
clarity
vividness
verb
Definition
To become yellow or to cause something to become yellow.
Example
The leaves are yellowing as autumn approaches.
Tense Forms
Past: yellowed
Past Participle: yellowed
Conversation
Have you noticed the pages in that old book are yellowing?
Yeah, it makes it look really vintage and cool!
I guess that’s just what happens with age.
Root Explanation
Yellowing → It is formed from "yellow" (from Old English "geolu", meaning yellow) and "-ing" (a suffix used to form present participles or gerunds). The word "yellowing" refers to the process of becoming yellow or the state of turning yellow.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'yellow' as the color itself, and remember that 'yellowing' means something is in the process of becoming that color.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.