The phrase "fades away" is pronounced as /feɪdz əˈweɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part /feɪdz/ rhymes with "haze" and refers to the gradual disappearing or becoming fainter of something. The second part /əˈweɪ/ has a schwa sound followed by a long "a" sound, and is pronounced like the word "away." Together, these two parts form a commonly used phrase to describe the gradual loss of something over time, as in "the sun slowly fades away as it sets."
"Fades away" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey the gradual disappearance or weakening of something. This term is often used metaphorically to describe the process of something diminishing or becoming less prominent over time.
In its literal sense, "fades away" can refer to the gradual loss of intensity or visibility of a physical object or phenomenon. For instance, a fading away of color occurs when pigments or dyes lose their vibrancy or brightness over time. It can also describe the diminishing sound of a distant conversation as one moves further away from it.
In a figurative sense, "fades away" is frequently used to describe the disappearance or weakening of intangible aspects such as emotions, memories, influence, or significance. For example, emotions like happiness, enthusiasm, or excitement can fade away when the initial stimulus or source of these feelings diminishes. Similarly, memories can fade away as the brain's capacity to retain information weakens over time.
Moreover, "fades away" can be employed to depict the declining influence or relevance of a person, idea, or trend. As time progresses, the impact or significance of certain individuals or concepts may gradually decrease, leading to their fading away.
Overall, the expression "fades away" encompasses the gradual disappearance, weakening, or diminishing of something physical or abstract over time, making it a versatile term used in a variety of contexts.
The phrase "fades away" is not a standalone word but rather a combination of two words: "fade" and "away".
The term "fade" can be traced back to Middle English and is derived from the Old French word "fader", meaning "to disappear". This, in turn, comes from the Latin word "vadere", which means "to go". Over time, "fade" has taken on the meaning of gradually diminishing or losing brightness, color, or intensity.
The word "away" in this context simply refers to the process of moving or disappearing from a particular place or state. It has Old English origins and is related to the Old High German word "alwege", meaning "all the way".
Combining these words, "fades away" conveys the concept of something gradually diminishing or disappearing, often implying a sense of distance or detachment.