tapering off

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Word: Tapering Off

Definition: The phrase "tapering off" means to gradually decrease or lessen until there is very little left. It often describes something that starts strong and then becomes weaker or smaller over time.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "tapering off" when you want to describe a situation where something is reducing gradually.
• It can refer to things like energy levels, sounds, or even activities.

Example:

• "The loud music started tapering off as the night went on, until only a soft melody remained."

Advanced Usage:

• "Tapering off" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• In a medical context, it can refer to reducing the dosage of medication gradually, like, "The doctor advised tapering off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms."

Word Variants:

• Taper (verb): To narrow or reduce gradually.
• Tapered (adjective): Describing something that has been reduced or narrowed in size.

Different Meanings:

• “Taper” can also refer to a physical shape that becomes thinner towards one end, like a candle.

Synonyms:

• Gradually decreasing
• Diminishing
• Lessening
• Declining

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "tapering off," but you can use phrases like "slowly winding down" to convey a similar meaning.

Summary:

"Tapering off" is an expression that captures the idea of something gradually decreasing until almost nothing remains. It is useful in various contexts, from describing sounds and activities to talking about medical treatments.

Academic

Adjective

1. gradually decreasing until little remains

Synonyms

• dwindling
• tapering