Other

pale1

Pronunciation: /peɪl/

Definition of pale

1light in colour or shade; containing little colour or pigment:choose pale floral patterns for walls
(of a person or their complexion) having less colour than usual, typically as a result of shock, fear, or ill health:she looked pale and drawn
[usually attributive] (of a light) not strong or bright:a pale dawn

2inferior or unimpressive:the new cheese is a pale imitation of continental cheeses

[no object]

1become pale in one’s face from shock or fear:I paled at the thought of what she might say

Derivatives

Middle English: from Old French pale, from Latin pallidus; the verb is from Old French palir

Do not confuse pale with pail. The adjective pale means 'light in colour' (pale blue eyes), whereas the noun pail means 'a bucket'.

Definition of pale in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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