pale
UK: peɪl | US: peɪl
adj. light in color or shade; lacking brightness or vividness
adj. (of a person’s face) having little color, typically due to shock, fear, or illness
n. a wooden stake or post used as part of a fence
vt. to become or make pale
The word "pale" has two distinct origins. As an adjective, it evolved from Old French pale (wan, light-colored), derived from Latin pallidus (pale, pallid). As a noun (stake), it traces back to Latin palus. The dual meanings reflect separate Latin roots (pallidus for color, palus for physical objects), which merged in English spelling but retained distinct senses. The adjective’s sense of "weak color" metaphorically extended to describe facial complexion under stress.
Her face turned pale when she heard the news.
The pale moonlight barely illuminated the path.
The farmer replaced the broken pale in the fence.
The painting’s colors had faded to a pale imitation of their original vibrancy.
Fear paled his cheeks as he stepped into the dark room.