Evanesces

/ɪˈvænɛsɪz/ verb

Definition

Disappears gradually or fades away as if vanishing into thin air.

Etymology

From Latin 'evanescere' (to vanish), combining 'ex-' (out) and 'vanescere' (to fade), related to 'vanus' (empty). The word evolved in English to describe the gradual disappearance of physical or abstract things.

Kelly Says

The word contains the same root as 'vain' and 'vanity'—both relate to emptiness or nothingness. It's why something evanescent literally fades into that empty, vain nothingness.

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