First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1pale
noun \ˈpāl\
Definition of PALE
2
a : one of the stakes of a palisade b : picket
3
a : a space or field having bounds : enclosure b : a territory or district within certain bounds or under a particular jurisdiction
4
: an area or the limits within which one is privileged or protected (as from censure) <conduct that was beyond the pale>
5
: a perpendicular stripe on a heraldic shield
See pale defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PALE
Middle English, from Anglo-French pel, pal stake, from Latin palus — more at pole
Rhymes with PALE
2pale
verb
paledpal·ing
Definition of PALE
transitive verb
First Known Use of PALE
14th century
3pale
adjective
: light in color
: having a skin color that is closer to white than is usual or normal
of light : not bright or intense
pal·erpal·est
Full Definition of PALE
1
: deficient in color or intensity of color : pallid <a pale complexion>
2
: not bright or brilliant : dim <a pale sun shining through the fog>
4
: deficient in chroma <a pale pink>
— pale·ly \ˈpāl-lē\ adverb
— pale·ness \-nəs\ noun
— pal·ish \ˈpā-lish\ adjective
See pale defined for English-language learners
See pale defined for kids
Origin of PALE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin pallidus, from pallēre to be pale — more at fallow
First Known Use: 14th century
4pale
verb
paledpal·ing
Definition of PALE
intransitive verb
: to become pale
transitive verb
: to make pale
First Known Use of PALE
14th century
PALE[1] Defined for Kids
1pale
adjective \ˈpāl\
pal·erpal·est
Definition of PALE for Kids
1
: having very light skin
2
: having a lighter skin color than normal because of sickness or fear
3
: not bright or brilliant <a pale star>
4
: light in color or shade <pale pink>
— pale·ness noun
2pale
verb
paledpal·ing
Definition of PALE for Kids
1
: to lose color <She paled when the wound was described to her.>
2
: to make or become less adequate, impressive, or intense <My science project paled in comparison to those of the other students.>
Medical Dictionary
pale
adjective \ˈpā(ə)l\
pal·erpal·est
Medical Definition of PALE
: deficient in color or intensity of color <a pale face>
—pale·ness \-nəs\ noun
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