Word: bleach

Associations

Bleach is a substance used to remove color or disinfect. It often has a strong smell and is used in cleaning or laundry.

• When cleaning white clothes. People use bleach to make them look brighter and remove stains.
• In hospitals. Bleach is used to disinfect surfaces to kill germs and bacteria.
• In hair treatment. Some people use bleach to lighten their hair color.

The synonym "whitener" is often used for products that brighten clothes, but "bleach" refers specifically to a chemical that can also disinfect, while "whitener" is usually just for brightening.

Substitution

Instead of "bleach," you could use:

• "chlorine" - which is a type of bleach, often used in pools for cleaning but might not be safe for all fabrics.
• "disinfectant" - a broader term that includes bleach but can refer to other cleaning agents too. This can change the meaning since not all disinfectants bleach or whiten.

Deconstruction

The word "bleach" comes from the Old English "blēcan," which means to "make white" or "whiten." It has no prefix and no suffix. The root indicates its main function: to whiten or clean.

Inquiry

• Think about a time when you used bleach or saw someone use it. What was being cleaned or disinfected?
• How do you feel about the strong smell of bleach? Can you think of other cleaning products that have a similar effect?
• Can you imagine situations where using bleach might not be a good idea? What alternatives could you use instead?