1light in colour or shade; containing little colour or pigment:choose pale floral patterns for walls (of a person or their complexion) having less colour than usual, typically as a result of shock, fear, or ill health:she looked pale and drawn [usually attributive] (of a light) not strong or bright:a pale dawn
2inferior or unimpressive:the new cheese is a pale imitation of continental cheeses
1become pale in one’s face from shock or fear:I paled at the thought of what she might say
2seem or become less important:all else pales by comparison