The phrase "fade away" can be spelled phonetically as /feɪd əˈweɪ/. The first syllable, "fade," is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by a voiced "d" consonant. The second syllable, "away," is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by a voiceless "w" consonant and a long "e" sound. Together, these sounds create a graceful and fluid motion - appropriate for describing the slow, gentle disappearance of something.
The phrase "fade away" is an idiomatic expression that can be used in different contexts. In general, it refers to the gradual disappearance or diminishing of something, whether it be a physical object, a feeling, a memory, or an event.
When applied to physical objects, "fade away" implies the gradual loss of color, clarity, or visibility. For example, an old photograph might "fade away" over time, losing its original brightness and becoming less distinct. Likewise, a painted sign exposed to harsh weather conditions may slowly "fade away," with its colors becoming less vibrant and details becoming less noticeable.
In a metaphorical sense, "fade away" often describes the gradual disappearance or diminishment of a feeling, such as love, interest, or enthusiasm. It can also describe the passing of a memory or a particular event from one's mind or from collective memory over time. For instance, a past trend or a pop culture reference that was once popular but is no longer remembered or relevant might "fade away" into obscurity. Similarly, emotions or desires that were once intense or deeply felt may "fade away" as time passes.
To summarize, "fade away" is an expression that denotes the gradual disappearance, diminishing, or becoming less prominent of an object, feeling, memory, or event.
The etymology of the phrase "fade away" can be traced back to two separate components: "fade" and "away".
1. Fade: The word "fade" dates back to the 14th century and is derived from the Old French word "fader", meaning "to lose brightness, weaken". It originated from the Latin word "vadare", meaning "to go" or "to pass". Over time, "fade" evolved to refer to the process of losing brightness, intensity, or clarity gradually. It is often used to describe something becoming less visible, prominent, or distinct.
2. Away: The word "away" has a similar origin, being derived from the Old English word "aweg" or "onweg", which literally means "to go off". This, in turn, comes from the Germanic root "weg" or "wag", meaning "go" or "travel".