Gradually subsiding
/ˈɡrædʒuəli səbˈsaɪdɪŋ/
verb phraseB2present participle phrase
Definition
"Gradually subsiding" describes a process where a feeling, action, or condition slowly decreases or becomes less noticeable. It often refers to things like pain, noise, emotions, or natural events calming down step by step, not suddenly.
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See It in Action
Slowly becoming less strong or intense
- •The noise from the party was gradually subsiding as people left.
- •Her anger was gradually subsiding after the apology.
- •The floodwaters were gradually subsiding after several days of rain.
Slowly calming down or lowering
- •The storm was gradually subsiding, and the sky started to clear.
- •His fever was gradually subsiding after taking medicine.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gradually subsiding" like "slowly going down"—like water slowly lowering in a glass after you spill it.
- ✓Picture waves in the ocean that start big but slowly get smaller and calmer until the sea is smooth.
- ✓It's the feeling when a headache starts strong but slowly fades away over time.
- ✓Sounds like "gradual" (step by step) + "subside" (to go down) → imagine a big balloon slowly losing air and lowering down gently.
- ✓In stories, storms often gradually subside after the wind and rain slowly calm.
- ✓NOT like "stop suddenly" (quick and complete), "gradually subsiding" is slow and steady.
- ✓NOT like "growing" or "increasing," it means the opposite: becoming less.
- ✓NOT like "disappear" immediately, it means the change happens over time.
Try Other Words
- •Diminishing: becoming smaller or weaker (Use when emphasizing reduction in size or amount)
- •Easing: becoming less severe or painful (Use when talking about pain or difficulty)
- •Lessening: becoming less in amount or degree (Use for general decrease)
- •Calming down: becoming less angry or excited (Use for emotions or noisy situations)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "gradually" (step by step, slowly) + "subside" (to go down, become less)
- •Etymology: "gradually" from Latin "gradus" meaning step; "subside" from Latin "subsidere" meaning to sit down or settle
- •Historical development: "Subside" has been used since the 1500s to mean lowering or sinking; "gradually" adds the idea of slow, step-by-step change
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe slow decreases in feelings, natural events, or physical states
- •Key insight: The phrase always means a slow, steady reduction, not sudden or quick
Reflect & Connect
•In what situations have you noticed something gradually subsiding in your life, like feelings or weather?
•How does the idea of something gradually subsiding help us understand patience and waiting for change?
Fill in the blanks
1.The loud music was gradually subsiding as the party guests started to ___ home.
2.After the argument, her anger was gradually subsiding because of the ___ apology.
3.Unlike a sudden stop, gradually subsiding means the noise or feeling goes down ___ over time.
4.When the storm is gradually subsiding, the sky usually becomes ___ and clear.
5.Pain that is gradually subsiding often ___ after taking medicine or resting.
6.The floodwaters were gradually subsiding, showing that the rain had ___.
7.People felt relief as the tension in the room was gradually subsiding and the mood became more ___.