taper — to gradually become narrower or thinner toward one end
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to gradually become narrower or thinner toward one end
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈteɪpər/
Example Sentences
- My enthusiasm for cleaning tapers off dramatically when I see the mountain of dirty dishes.
- The doctor advised him to taper his medication gradually rather than stopping suddenly.
- Her interest in her boyfriend began to taper when she discovered his collection of 500 rubber ducks.
taper
VERB[/ˈteɪpər/]
to gradually become narrower or thinner toward one end
The sculptor tapered the thick wood into a sharp spear.
Pulling the wide tape through the tiny ring made it taper into a sharp point. (taper → tape + ring)
After hanging the paper, the beam of sunlight began to taper into a thin line.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'taperen', likely derived from Old English 'tapor' or related to the noun 'taper' (a candle). The verb developed from the noun through functional shift, originally describing the characteristic shape of a candle that narrows toward the top.
Breakdown
taper (noun: a thin candle) → taper (verb: to make thin or narrow) = the gradual narrowing action mimicking a candle's shape
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My enthusiasm for cleaning tapers off dramatically when I see the mountain of dirty dishes.”
“The doctor advised him to taper his medication gradually rather than stopping suddenly.”
“Her interest in her boyfriend began to taper when she discovered his collection of 500 rubber ducks.”
“The road tapers as it approaches the mountain pass.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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