dwindle down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To gradually decrease in size, amount, or intensity; to diminish or shrink over time. It implies a slow, often steady, reduction until very little remains.
Usage
This verb is used to describe a process where something lessens or fades away bit by bit. It is often followed by words like "to," "into," or "away," but can also stand alone. It typically describes non-physical quantities like resources, time, or support.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "dwindle down to nothing": To diminish completely until there is nothing left.
- The charity's funds eventually dwindled down to nothing.
- "dwindle down into obscurity": To fade gradually into a state of being unknown or forgotten.
- After his one hit song, the singer's fame dwindled down into obscurity.
Variants and Related Words
- Dwindle (verb): The base form, with the same meaning. "Dwindle down" is a phrasal verb that emphasizes the process of reduction.
- The population of the village continued to dwindle.
- Diminish (verb): To make or become less.
- Shrink (verb): To become or make smaller in size or amount.
- Decline (verb): To decrease in strength, quality, or quantity.
Synonyms
- Decrease
- Diminish
- Shrink
- Decline
- Subside
- Wane
- Fade
Phrasal Verbs
- Dwindle away: Has an identical meaning to "dwindle down," emphasizing a gradual fading or disappearance.
- His influence in the company dwindled away after the scandal.
Related Idioms
- Trickle down: While not a synonym, this idiom is structurally similar and describes a gradual flow or dissemination (often of money or benefits) from the top to the bottom. It contrasts with "dwindle down," which is about reduction, not distribution.
- The economic benefits did not trickle down to the average worker.
Verb
- become smaller or lose substance
- Her savings dwindled down