What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fade
Example
The flowers in the vase began to fade after a few days. [fade: verb]
Example
The music slowly faded away as the band finished their set. [faded: past tense]
dim
Example
The lights in the theater dimmed as the movie began. [dimmed: past tense]
Example
Her memory of the event had grown dim over time. [dim: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dim is more commonly used than fade in everyday language. Dim is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fade is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fade and dim?
Both fade and dim are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
