discolour

[dɪsˈkʌlər]
verb
descolorir
1. to change or spoil the colour of something; to cause to lose colour or become stained
The sun will discolour the fabric if left exposed for too long.
O sol vai descolorir o tecido se ficar exposto por muito tempo.
2. to become discoloured; to lose original colour
The white paint began to discolour after years of weathering.
A tinta branca começou a descolorir após anos de intempéries.
3. to tarnish or sully the reputation of someone or something
The scandal did much to discolour his name.
O escândalo muito prejudicou sua reputação.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'descolorir' is the standard verb used in both everyday speech and formal contexts. In Portugal, the variant 'decolorir' may also be used. The word is commonly used in domestic contexts when discussing clothing care and maintenance, as well as in more formal contexts regarding reputation or honor.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stainfadebleachtarnishdiscoloreddecolor
Antonyms / Antônimos
colourbrightenrestorerevive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
descolorir
standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
descolorir
common usage, sometimes 'perder cor'
São Paulo
descolorir
standard usage in business and formal contexts
Portugal
descolorir
British spelling influence; also 'decolorir'

Related Words

discolorationdiscolouredfadebleachstaincolour

Related Idioms & Phrases

discolour someone's reputation
discolour with age
discolour from stains
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