
Whiten
Physical change
Used when something's color actually becomes lighter, often through a chemical or physical process.

Regular washing can help to whiten old linens.
Gradual process
The action of whitening something may be gradual and not immediate.

Over time, the sun will whiten the colored fabric of the curtains.
Natural whitening
Refers to natural processes, like daylight causing colors to fade.

The old paper will whiten further in the sunlight.
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BlanchBleachBrightenLightenPale
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