Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈə͡ʊ pˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "grow pale" is spelled with the same letters as its pronunciation, making it a fairly straightforward word. "Grow" is pronounced /ɡroʊ/ with the "o" sound like the "oa" in "goat" and "w" silent. Similarly, "pale" is pronounced /peɪl/ with the "a" sound like the "ai" in "rain." The spelling of the word accurately reflects the way it is said, making it easy for any reader or speaker to understand its meaning.
To "grow pale" means to noticeably lose color or become lighter in complexion due to various factors such as fear, shock, illness, or nervousness. This phenomenon is commonly associated with the skin appearing paler than its normal state. When someone experiences intense emotions like surprise, horror, or fright, their body's natural reaction might be to restrict blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow to the skin's surface. As a result, the individual may grow pale as blood supply to the face becomes diminished.
Furthermore, feeling unwell or being affected by a medical condition can also cause a person to grow pale. When someone is sick, blood flow may be redirected away from the skin and towards internal organs, leading to a paler complexion. Similarly, excessive stress, anxiety, or nervousness can trigger physiological responses, such as the triggering of the 'fight or flight' response, which can cause a person to grow pale.
The phrase "grow pale" can also be used metaphorically to describe when something gradually loses its vibrancy or intensity. For instance, a once colorful painting may grow progressively pale over time due to exposure to sunlight. Similarly, an individual's excitement or enthusiasm towards a particular topic might grow pale if they become disinterested or lose their passion for it. Ultimately, "grow pale" refers to the visible loss of color or liveliness, whether it be physiological or metaphorical in nature.
The term "grow pale" is a combination of the verb "grow" and the adjective "pale".
The word "grow" can be traced back to the Old English word "grōwan", which means "to grow, flourish, increase, or become larger". This word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "grōaną" and is related to the Old Norse word "grōa" and the German word "grünen".
"Pale" comes from the Old French word "paile", which means "pale, light-colored". The Old French word itself derives from the Latin word "pallidus", meaning "pale or pallid".
So, when these two words are combined, "grow pale" implies the action of becoming paler in color or complexion, often due to fear, illness, shock, or other similar emotions or conditions.
