pallid
Meaning: Pale in colour, especially in a way that suggests illness or lack of vitality; figuratively, lacking vigour or interest.
Pallid describes an unhealthy paleness, whether of complexion, light, or colour. It is more literary than 'pale' and carries stronger connotations of weakness or lifelessness. Figuratively, it is used to criticise things that lack energy or conviction — a pallid performance, a pallid argument. The figurative use is common in arts criticism and political commentary.
Examples
- The patient's pallid complexion prompted the doctor to order an immediate blood test. 患者苍白的面色促使医生立即下令进行血液检查。La tez pálida del paciente llevó al médico a solicitar un análisis de sangre inmediato.患者の青白い顔色を見て、医師はただちに血液検査を指示した。환자의 창백한 안색을 보고 의사는 즉시 혈액 검사를 지시했다.
- Beneath the pallid glow of the fluorescent strip lighting, the office looked even more dispiriting. 在荧光灯管惨白的光线下,办公室看起来更加令人沮丧。Bajo el resplandor desvaído de los tubos fluorescentes, la oficina resultaba aún más deprimente.蛍光灯の青白い光の下で、オフィスはいっそう陰鬱に見えた。형광등의 핏기 없는 불빛 아래에서 사무실은 더욱 우울하게 보였다.
- Critics dismissed the government's response as a pallid imitation of the bold reforms that were needed. 批评者认为政府的回应不过是对所需大胆改革的苍白模仿。Los críticos desestimaron la respuesta del gobierno como una pálida imitación de las reformas audaces que se necesitaban.批評家たちは、政府の対応を必要とされる大胆な改革の色褪せた模倣にすぎないと一蹴した。비평가들은 정부의 대응을 필요한 과감한 개혁의 생기 없는 모방에 불과하다며 일축했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, media, medical
Tone: negative
Origin & History
From Latin pallidus (pale), from pallere (to be pale). Entered English in the late 16th century. Related to 'pallor' and 'appall' (originally meaning to make pale).
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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