discolor
C1Formal, Technical, Academic, Everyday (when describing specific objects)
Definition
Meaning
To change or lose color; to become stained, faded, or otherwise altered from the original hue.
To cause a change in color, often implying a negative or undesirable transformation due to age, exposure, or damage. It can also be used figuratively for tarnishing a reputation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is often intransitive (the fabric discolored) but can be transitive (the sun discolored the fabric). The process is usually seen as negative, indicating damage or decay. The preferred British spelling is 'discolour'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'discolour' (UK) vs. 'discolor' (US). Pronunciation: UK /dɪsˈkʌl.ər/ vs. US /dɪsˈkʌl.ɚ/.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and connotation across both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical and descriptive contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] discolors (intransitive)[NP] discolors [NP] (transitive)[NP] is discolored by [NP] (passive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in product liability or quality control contexts (e.g., 'The batch was rejected because the packaging discolored.').
Academic
Common in materials science, art conservation, dentistry, and chemistry papers (e.g., 'The compound causes cellulose to discolor.').
Everyday
Used for describing damage to household items, clothing, or surfaces (e.g., 'The kitchen counter discolored near the sink.').
Technical
Standard term in conservation, manufacturing, and dental hygiene (e.g., 'Assessing factors that discolor composite resins.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old newspaper cuttings had discoloured to a pale brown.
- Spilling red wine on the carpet could discolour it permanently.
- The plumbing issue discoloured the bathroom tiles.
American English
- The plastic lawn chairs discolored after a summer in the sun.
- Smoking will discolor your teeth and fingers.
- The chemical reaction discolored the solution a deep purple.
adjective
British English
- The discoloured patch on the ceiling indicated a leak.
- They replaced the discoloured silicone sealant around the bath.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sun made my red curtains discolor.
- His teeth are discolored because he drinks a lot of coffee.
- If you leave that metal pot in water, it will discolor.
- The pages of the old book had discolored with age.
- Constant exposure to chlorine can discolor swimwear and damage the fabric.
- The artist was concerned that direct sunlight would discolor the pigments in the painting over time.
- The forensic report noted that the substance had discolored the victim's skin, indicating prolonged contact.
- Environmental pollutants can acidify rainwater, which in turn discolors and erodes marble monuments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIS-COLOR' = to take away or ruin the COLOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/DAMAGE IS A CORRUPTING AGENT (Time discolors memories; water discolors wood).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'disguise' (маскировать).
- Прямой перевод 'обесцвечивать' часто корректен, но 'discolor' обычно подразумевает *нежелательное* изменение, а не преднамеренное отбеливание.
- Для 'выцветать' (о ткани) часто лучше 'fade', но 'discolor' шире.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'discolour' in US English or 'discolor' in UK English.
- Confusing with 'decolorize' (to remove color intentionally, as in bleaching).
- Using it for intentional color change (e.g., 'I discolored my hair' is wrong; 'dyed' is correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as 'discolored'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it almost always describes an unwanted, often damaging change in color due to age, exposure, or contamination.
'Fade' specifically means to lose color intensity or brightness, often evenly. 'Discolor' is broader and can include staining, spotting, or uneven color change (e.g., a water stain 'discolors' wood but doesn't just 'fade' it).
No, for intentional lightening of hair, use 'bleach' or 'lighten'. For unwanted changes (e.g., hair turning green from pool chlorine), 'discolor' can be used, though 'stain' or 'turn' is more common.
Use it intransitively: 'The fabric discolored.' Or transitively: 'The acid discolored the metal.' The passive voice is very common: 'The photo was discolored by sunlight.'