lapse into — to gradually return to a previous and usually worse state, condition, or way of behaving
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to gradually return to a previous and usually worse state, condition, or way of behaving
Pronunciation (IPA): /læps ˈɪntuː/
Example Sentences
- The patient lapsed into unconsciousness during the surgery.
- Without proper maintenance, the garden lapsed into a wild, overgrown mess.
- The meeting was so boring that everyone lapsed into silence and started checking their phones.
lapse into
NOUN[/læps ˈɪntuː/]
to gradually return to a previous and usually worse state, condition, or way of behaving
to gradually return to a previous and usually worse state, condition, or way of behaving
He seemed to heal, but now collapse - another relapse into darkness
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'lapsus' (to fall, slip), the phrasal verb 'lapse into' developed to express a gradual return to a previous state over time. The sense evolved from the physical notion of slipping or falling to describe a figurative descent into former conditions, habits, or states of being.
Breakdown
lapse (from Latin lapsus, meaning to fall or slip) + into (preposition indicating movement toward a state or condition).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The patient lapsed into unconsciousness during the surgery.”
“Without proper maintenance, the garden lapsed into a wild, overgrown mess.”
“The meeting was so boring that everyone lapsed into silence and started checking their phones.”
“Despite her New Year's resolution, Sarah lapsed into her old habit of eating ice cream for breakfast.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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