Phrasal verb
die away
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
die away
Past
died away
Past participle
died away
Definitions
01sound becoming quieter
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to become quieter and quieter until you cannot hear it anymore.
phr.v. to fade gradually into silence; used primarily of auditory stimuli.
“We stood on the platform and watched the train disappear as the sound of its engine died away.”
“The thunderous applause began to die away only after the conductor stepped off the podium and the house lights were raised.”
02feelings or activity stopping
C1 · Advanced Literary
phr.v. to slowly become weaker or less intense until it stops.
phr.v. to gradually lose strength, intensity, or momentum until reaching a state of cessation.
“Her anger slowly died away as she realized he was telling the truth.”
“The initial excitement surrounding the new policy died away once the staff realized how much extra paperwork it would require.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “die away” in context.
Verb
01. gradually die away
“The noise from the construction site gradually died away as evening approached.”
adv + verb
02. slowly die away
“The colors of the sunset slowly died away, leaving the sky a deep purple.”
adv + verb
Noun
03. applause died away
“The thunderous applause died away as the conductor raised his baton.”
noun + verb
04. echoes died away
“The echoes of the church bells slowly died away in the valley.”
noun + verb
05. footsteps died away
“We waited in silence until the sound of his footsteps died away down the hall.”
noun + verb
06. laughter died away
“Their laughter died away when they realized the situation was serious.”
noun + verb
Usage
this is an intransitive verb, so it does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'die down', which suggests a reduction in excitement or activity (like a fire or a storm) rather than a total disappearance of sound.
Pitfall
The music was died away.
The music died away.
this phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
die + away
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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