tapering — A gradual reduction in size, amount, or intensity
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A gradual reduction in size, amount, or intensity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈteɪpərɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My diet plan involves tapering chocolate consumption from 10 bars to zero bars per day.
- The Federal Reserve announced a tapering of bond purchases.
- His enthusiasm for morning exercise is tapering faster than a melting ice cream cone.
tapering
NOUN[/ˈteɪpərɪŋ/]
A gradual reduction in size, amount, or intensity

The sculptor carved the thick wood into a sharp, tapering spear.

TAPE(tape) + RING(ring) — pulling the wide TAPE through the small gold RING forces it to stretch into a tapering shape.

"The Fed keeps tapering, while markets keep wavering, and your savings need savoring."
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'tapering' derives from Old English 'taper', originally referring to a candle. The gradual narrowing of a candle toward its top metaphorically extended the meaning to describe any gradual reduction or narrowing process.
Breakdown
taper (candle; to narrow gradually) + -ing (present participle and adjective-forming suffix), creating a verb form meaning 'becoming progressively narrower or smaller'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My diet plan involves tapering chocolate consumption from 10 bars to zero bars per day.”
“The Federal Reserve announced a tapering of bond purchases.”
“His enthusiasm for morning exercise is tapering faster than a melting ice cream cone.”
“The doctor recommended a tapering approach to stop the medication.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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