Desaparecer vs. desvanecerse
The Spanish words 'desaparecer' and 'desvanecerse' both refer to the process of disappearing or vanishing. However, these words are used in slightly different contexts and have slightly different connotations.
Desaparecer
'Desaparecer' primarily refers to an object or person physically disappearing from sight or existence. It could also refer to something fading away gradually in less physical terms, such as a scent or a feeling.
El sol desaparece detrás de las montañas.
(The sun disappears behind the mountains.)
No tardó mucho antes de que su sonrisa desapareciera.
(It didn't take long before her smile disappeared.)
El olor a café desapareció lentamente.
(The smell of coffee gradually disappeared.)
Desvanecerse
'Desvanecerse', on the other hand, often implies a gradual, soft, or gentle disappearance, typically used when speaking of non-physical things like feelings, thoughts, colors, or sounds fading away. However, it could also be used to describe a person fainting (losing consciousness).
El sonido de la música se desvaneció en la distancia.
(The sound of the music faded into the distance.)
Sus esperanzas se desvanecieron rápidamente.
(His hopes quickly faded.)
Ella se desvaneció debido al calor y al agotamiento.
(She fainted due to heat and exhaustion.)
Summary
'Desaparecer' is generally used for more abrupt or complete disappearances, often physical but not exclusively, while 'desvanecerse' is used for more gradual and gentle disappearances and also includes the meaning of losing consciousness. The choice between these two words depends on the context.