also: しろむ
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
whiten; grow light; turn white
Describes something becoming white or pale, or the sky growing light at dawn. Common in phrases like 空が白む (the sky lightens) or 顔が白む (face turns pale).
東の空が白み始めた。
The eastern sky began to grow light.
彼は恐怖で顔が白
His face turned white with fear.
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
Used for moods, enthusiasm, or atmosphere becoming chilled or spoiled. Often appears as 興が白む or 気持ちが白む.
彼の一言で場の雰囲気が白んだ。
His single remark dampened the mood of the gathering.
雨でせっかくのピクニックが白んでしまった。
The rain spoiled our long-awaited picnic.
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
Archaic senses covering various kinds of weakening: physical debilitation, loss of momentum or spirit, fading color, or loss of musical tone. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical or literary contexts.
古文では「勢いが白む」のように衰えを表すことがある。
In classical texts, 白む can express a decline in vigor, as in 'momentum falters'.