Word: Pale

Pronunciation

/peɪl/

Definitions

• Noun: A long, usually wooden stake or pole used to form part of a fence or barrier, especially around a construction site or to mark a boundary. Example: “The old fence was made of weathered pales.”
• Noun: A range or area within which something (such as a right, privilege, or influence) operates or is effective; a limit or boundary. Example: “The king’s authority did not extend beyond the pale of his kingdom.”
• Noun: A paleness of complexion, typically indicating fear, illness, or physical weakness. Example: “Her face went pale when she heard the news.”
• Adjective: Having a light or whitish color due to lack of sufficient pigmentation or blood flow. Example: “She looked pale after spending hours in the hospital.”
• Adjective: Lacking intensity or vividness; weak or insipid. Example: “The once-vibrant colors had faded to a pale imitation of their former selves.”

Phrases

• “Beyond the pale”: Going beyond what is acceptable or tolerable. Example: “His behavior was considered beyond the pale by his colleagues.”
• “Pale in comparison”: When something appears much less impressive when compared to another thing. Example: “Her new novel pales in comparison to her first masterpiece.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The horses were kept within the confines of the newly erected pales.”
• Adjective: “After weeks without sunshine, the beachgoers sported pale skin despite the onset of summer.”
• Adjective (figurative): “The original artwork was so captivating that the reproductions paled by comparison.”

Synonyms

• Noun (fence): stake, picket, barrier, fence post
• Adjective (color): wan, white, ashen, sickly-looking
• Adjective (weak/vapid): weak, feeble, insipid, dull, lackluster