Word
subside
Phoneticssub·side, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈsaɪd/
UK/səbsˈaɪd/
Definition
v. to become less strong or active. You use this when something like a storm, a feeling, or a situation is getting better or ending.
v. to become less intense, severe, or widespread. Often describes the gradual reduction of physical symptoms, weather conditions, or social tensions.
Examples
“The rain began to subside after several hours.”
“The swelling in his ankle started to subside once he took the prescribed medication.”
“As the initial panic of the crowd began to subside, a sense of quiet determination took hold, allowing the emergency services to reach the injured safely.”
Examples
simple
“The rain began to subside after several hours.”
contextual
“The swelling in his ankle started to subside once he took the prescribed medication.”
complex
“As the initial panic of the crowd began to subside, a sense of quiet determination took hold, allowing the emergency services to reach the injured safely.”
Real-World Examples
“The two runways at New York's LaGuardia airport were left under water for several days, preventing it from reopening even after the winds had subsided.” “I swapped my daily sugar treat with a healthier snack until my cravings subsided.” “He decided he’d try his relatives later, after the traffic online subsided.” Etymology
From Latin subsīdō (“I settle, subside”).
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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englishreference.com/q/subside