LookItUp

taper off

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌteɪpɚ ˈɔf/ · UK /ˌteɪpər ˈɒf/

taper off means: To gradually become less or make something less.

verb

GRADUALLY DECREASEC1

To gradually become less or make something less.

  • The rain began to taper off.
  • Sales tapered off after the holidays.
  • They are tapering off production as demand falls.

How to use it: taper off (The rain tapered off by evening.); taper something off (The doctor advised her to taper the medication off slowly.)

Similar words: decrease, dwindle, reduce

Opposites: increase

Common phrases: taper off gradually, taper something off, taper off something

BECOME NARROWERB2

To gradually become thinner or narrower towards an end.

  • The glass tapers off at the top.
  • Its long stem tapered off to a fine point.
  • These wooden legs taper off towards the bottom.

How to use it: taper off towards something (The handle tapers off towards its end.)

Similar words: narrow, taper

Opposites: widen

Common phrases: taper off upwards, taper off sharply

Questions about taper off

What does taper off mean?

To gradually become less or make something less.

What is taper off in other languages?

Türkçe: giderek azalmak · Español: disminuir gradualmente · Français: diminuer progressivement · Deutsch: allmählich nachlassen · Italiano: diminuire gradualmente · 日本語: 次第に減る

How do you pronounce taper off?

In American English /ˌteɪpɚ ˈɔf/; in British English /ˌteɪpər ˈɒf/.

How do you use taper off in a sentence?

The rain began to taper off. Sales tapered off after the holidays.

Learn taper off while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

taper off in other languages

More words