desaturation
desaturation — noun
1. the process or act of making an image, video, or surface lose some or all of its
the process or act of making an image, video, or surface lose some or all of its colour so that it appears closer to gray or black-and-white; also used in chemistry for the removal of hydrogen atoms from a compound to create double bonds
Yuki applied desaturation to the background of her wedding photo so the focus would stay on the couple.
The video editor used careful desaturation on the flashback scenes to signal a shift into memory.
desaturation + [scene / image / photo] for artistic effect
In the chemistry lab, the research team achieved desaturation of the fatty acid molecules using a catalyst.
The art director asked for slight desaturation of the logo for the print brochure.
Kwame applied desaturation across the entire series of landscape photos to create a uniform vintage look.
- colour draining
More informal and dramatic; 'draining the colour' implies a faster, more thorough removal than desaturation.
- fading
Describes a gradual, often unintended loss of colour over time, whereas desaturation is deliberate.
- bleaching
Uses chemicals or sunlight to whiten; broader than desaturation, which targets colour intensity without necessarily whitening.
- saturation
The direct opposite — increase in colour intensity or addition of double bonds to a compound.
文法句型
[degree adjective] desaturation of [object]
desaturation in [context / medium]
apply desaturation to [object]
用法筆記
In photography and design, desaturation is a deliberate creative step; software tools often provide a slider to control the degree. In chemistry, the term refers to a specific reaction that removes hydrogen. Use modifiers like 'slight', 'complete', or 'gradual' to describe the extent.
常見錯誤
2. the process of gradually losing colour intensity or vividness on its own, becomi
the process of gradually losing colour intensity or vividness on its own, becoming duller or closer to gray; also used in chemistry for a reaction in which a compound forms double bonds by losing hydrogen atoms
The red pigment in the ancient tapestry showed significant desaturation after centuries of sunlight exposure.
As the tropical fish swam deeper into the dark water, desaturation of its bright blue stripes became visible.
natural process: desaturation of [subject] under [condition]
Carmen noticed desaturation in the colour of her favourite woollen scarf after many washes.
Over time the orange paint on the old metal gate underwent desaturation until it looked almost beige.
The chemist observed desaturation of the liquid when it was exposed to ultraviolet light for several hours.
- fading
More common and general; any gradual loss of colour, while desaturation is more specific to a shift toward gray.
- washing out
Informal noun phrase describing colour becoming very pale or disappearing, often due to laundering or weather.
- dulling
Loss of brightness without necessarily turning gray; closer to 'becoming less vibrant'.
- deepening
Colour becomes richer and more intense, the opposite of losing saturation.
- brightening
Colour gains vividness and lightness, contrasting with desaturation's movement toward gray.
文法句型
desaturation of [subject] [under condition]
desaturation of [subject] over [time period]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense describes an automatic or natural process rather than a deliberate action. The subject is usually a material, dye, pigment, or chemical compound. The process is typically gradual, so adjectives like 'slow' or 'gradual' and time phrases are common.