desvanecer
“desvanecer” means “to fade” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to fade, to vanish
Also: to dispel, to blur
📝 In Action
El humo se desvaneció lentamente en el aire.
A2The smoke faded slowly into the air.
Tus palabras desvanecieron todas mis dudas.
B1Your words dispelled all my doubts.
Con el tiempo, sus esperanzas se desvanecieron.
B2Over time, their hopes vanished.
to faint, to pass out
📝 In Action
Ella se desvaneció por el intenso calor.
B1She fainted because of the intense heat.
Al ver la sangre, el hombre se desvaneció.
B2Upon seeing the blood, the man passed out.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desvanecer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I fade' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'vanescere' (to vanish/become empty). It shares the same root as the English word 'vanish'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desvanecer' the same as 'desaparecer'?
Almost! 'Desaparecer' means to disappear suddenly or completely. 'Desvanecer' usually implies a gradual fading or blurring away.
Can I use 'desvanecer' for a person who disappears?
Yes, but it sounds poetic. For example, 'Se desvaneció entre la multitud' (He faded into the crowd).
Why is there a 'z' in 'desvanezca'?
It's a spelling rule in Spanish to keep the soft 's' sound when the verb ending changes to 'a' or 'o'.