1 B2 neutral
(Film/audio) To gradually increase an image's brightness or a sound's volume from silence or darkness to full strength.
"The director faded in on a wide shot of the empty city at dawn."
inseparable
fade in
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To gradually increase in visibility, brightness, or volume from nothing, used especially in film, television, and audio production.
In plain English
To slowly appear on screen or become louder, starting from nothing.
What does "fade in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To gradually become noticeable or present in a situation.
"The new student slowly faded in to the social group over the first semester."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move inward while becoming less distinct.
Actually means
To slowly appear on screen or become louder, starting from nothing.
Usage tip
A technical term in film and audio editing. The transitive form ('fade the music in') is also used. In everyday speech, can be used figuratively to describe something or someone gradually becoming present or noticeable.
Words that pair with "fade in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
scene music sound image credits screen
How to conjugate "fade in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fade in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fades in
he/she/it
Past simple
faded in
yesterday
Past participle
faded in
have + pp
-ing form
fading in
continuous
Hear "fade in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fade in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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