Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flow back or recede; to gradually decrease or diminish. This verb describes the action of something, typically water, moving away or becoming less. It is often used literally for tides but can also be applied metaphorically to describe a decline in intensity, strength, or quantity.

Usage

• The verb ebb down is used to describe a process of gradual withdrawal or reduction.
• It is often used in the continuous form (is ebbing down, was ebbing down) to emphasize the ongoing nature of the decline.
• It can be used both literally (for water) and figuratively (for emotions, energy, sound, etc.).

Examples

• Literal:
  • We watched as the floodwaters began to ebb down, revealing the damaged streets below.
  • After the storm, the high tide will slowly ebb down.
• Figurative:
  • Her anger started to ebb down once she heard his explanation.
  • The noise from the party finally ebbed down around midnight.

Advanced Usage

• "to ebb down to a whisper": to become very quiet.
  • Their conversation ebbed down to a whisper as the librarian approached.
• "to feel one's strength ebb down": to feel one's energy or power fading.
  • After running the marathon, he could feel his strength ebbing down.

Variants and Related Words

• Ebb (verb): A more common single-word synonym meaning to recede or decline. "Ebb down" is a phrasal verb that emphasizes the "downward" or "diminishing" aspect.
  • The tide ebbs twice a day.
• Recede (verb): To move back or away.
• Subside (verb): To become less intense, violent, or severe.
• Abate (verb): To reduce in intensity or amount.

Synonyms

• Recede
• Subside
• Abate
• Diminish
• Decline
• Wane

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Die down: to become gradually less strong or loud until it stops.
  • The wind died down in the evening.
• Go down: to decrease.
  • The price of fuel has gone down.

Related Idioms

• At a low ebb: in a poor state; weak or depressed.
  • After the failed project, team morale was at a low ebb.
• Ebb and flow: a recurrent or rhythmic pattern of coming and going or decline and increase.
  • The ebb and flow of conversation around the dinner table was pleasant.

Verb

1. flow back or recede
   • the tides ebbed at noon