Definition of pale

The word "pale" has its origins in Old English. The verb "pælan" means "to make pale or wan" and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*pali-", which is also the source of the Modern English word "pallid". In Old English, the word "pælan" was used to describe something that had lost its original color or brightness, such as a candle flame that had been extinguished. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the sense of becoming pale or wan due to illness, fatigue, or fear. Today, the word "pale" can be used as both a verb and an adjective, with meanings including "to make pale or dim" and "lacking in color or brightness".