Phrasal verb
peter out
Definition
phrasal verb. to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less successful until it stops completely.
phrasal verb. to diminish gradually and eventually cease or disappear. The verb is intransitive and describes a loss of momentum or intensity.
Examples
“The rain began to peter out around noon.”
“Their conversation slowly petered out as they both realized they had nothing left to say.”
“The economic recovery, which had shown such promise in the first quarter, began to peter out as global supply chains faltered.”
Examples
simple
“The rain began to peter out around noon.”
contextual
“Their conversation slowly petered out as they both realized they had nothing left to say.”
complex
“The economic recovery, which had shown such promise in the first quarter, began to peter out as global supply chains faltered.”
Usage
This is an intransitive phrasal verb, so it never takes a direct object.
Teaching tip
Use the image of a candle burning down to help students visualize the gradual ending.
Pitfall
The rain petered out the match.
The match petered out because of the rain.
the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
peter + out
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
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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