evanesce

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "evanesce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning "to gradually vanish like vapor". For example, "When the sun set, the clouds began to evanesce from the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Administration showed at the London summit that it's willing to do little by way of aiding the U.S.S.R.... Bush's much-ballyhooed education program seemed to evanesce before one's eyes.

The New Yorker

Some details and qualities are magnified; others evanesce.

The New Yorker

They evanesce.

The New Yorker

You wouldn't get to see a server in black evanesce at your side, Jeeves-like, leaning forward from the waist to hear your order, asking "May I clear that, miss?" and not, "Still working on that?" Most of all, you'd be missing a chance to listen to that quiet purr that you hear only when a restaurant and its audience understand each other perfectly.

The New York Times - Food

In series like Self-Obliteration and Infinity Net it seems that she would like nothing better than to evanesce into eternity.

The New York Times - Books

The Administration showed at the London summit that it's willing to do little by way of aiding the U.S.S.R.... Bush's much-ballyhooed education program seemed to evanesce before one's eyes..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A sort of survivor's spirit prevails in the bar: a man and a woman next to me sharing pictures of their young children, a college kid with a greasy pony-tail and a rasta hat laughing more than politely at the joke of a leather-skinned woman who seems to have evanesced straight out of a William Kennedy novel, and really not a cross word from anyone.

The Economist

Anyone expecting the usual portrait of the Ripper – a top hat-wearing toff who evanesces into the London fog – will be disappointed.

Independent

So there's one answer to my question: circa the early seventies, the magic evanesces, through no fault of Artschwager's, but because the world darkened.

The New Yorker

An instant later, she was gone, evanescing like a housing bubble.

The New Yorker

There's one answer: circa the early seventies, the magic evanesces, through no fault of the artist's, but because the world darkened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "evanesce" to describe a gradual disappearance, especially when something fades away like vapor or mist. It adds a touch of elegance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "evanesce" when a more direct verb like "disappear" or "vanish" would suffice. "Evanesce" is best suited for situations where the disappearance is gradual and subtle, akin to vapor fading into the air.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "evanesce" is as an intransitive verb, describing the action of something disappearing or fading away. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where ideas, programs, or illusions gradually vanish.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evanesce" is a grammatically correct and usable verb that describes a gradual disappearance or fading away. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and example sentences demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from the fading of an education program to the vanishing of an illusion. While "evanesce" shares semantic space with verbs like "disappear" and "vanish", it carries a nuance of subtlety and impermanence. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, contributing to a formal register. When employing "evanesce", consider the gradual and subtle nature of the disappearance you wish to convey, avoiding its use when a more direct synonym would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance, often associated with light or sound.

disappear

A general term for ceasing to be visible.

vanish

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance.

dissipate

Specifically refers to something scattering or dissolving, like vapor.

melt away

Implies a gradual disappearance as if by melting.

dematerialize

Suggests a more sci-fi or supernatural disappearance.

become invisible

Focuses on the act of becoming unseen.

pass from sight

A more formal way of saying something disappears.

go out of existence

Emphasizes the complete cessation of being.

cease to exist

A more formal and definitive way to express disappearance.

FAQs

How do you use "evanesce" in a sentence?

You can use "evanesce" to describe something that gradually disappears, like "The morning mist began to "fade away" and "vanish" as the sun rose".

What is the difference between "evanesce" and "disappear"?

"Evanesce" implies a more gradual and subtle disappearance, often suggesting a fading away like vapor. "Disappear" is a more general term for ceasing to be visible.

What can I say instead of "evanesce"?

You can use alternatives like ""fade away"", ""vanish"", or "dissipate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "evanesces"?

Yes, "evanesces" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "evanesce", and it's grammatically correct. For example, "The illusion "vanishes" as the light changes."