Word
erode
US/ˈiɹoʊd/
UK/ɪɹˈəʊd/
Definition
v. to slowly wear away or destroy something over time. This can happen to physical things like rocks or abstract things like trust.
v. to gradually wear away or diminish through natural forces or steady attrition. Often describes the physical degradation of soil or the metaphorical weakening of authority or confidence.
Examples
“Heavy rain can erode the soil on a farm.”
“Constant scandals began to erode the public's trust in the local government over several years.”
“The relentless pounding of the waves continues to erode the soft limestone cliffs, creating dramatic natural arches that eventually collapse into the sea.”
Examples
simple
“Heavy rain can erode the soil on a farm.”
contextual
“Constant scandals began to erode the public's trust in the local government over several years.”
complex
“The relentless pounding of the waves continues to erode the soft limestone cliffs, creating dramatic natural arches that eventually collapse into the sea.”
Usage
The verb is both transitive and intransitive. In its metaphorical sense, it often pairs with abstract nouns like 'trust', 'confidence', or 'authority'.
Real-World Examples
“This won’t be any good for corn, and it will erode away if the crop doesn’t take hold, so I’m going to leave it in hay.” “Now they fear China is eroding that spirit in Hong Kong too.” Etymology
From French éroder, from Latin ērōdō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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