Word
taper
Phoneticsta·per, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈteɪpɝ/
UK/tˈeɪpɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a gradual decrease in something, especially when a government or bank starts to reduce financial support. It describes a slow narrowing or thinning of an amount over time.
n. a gradual reduction in the amount or thickness of something; in financial contexts, specifically the systematic reduction of central bank asset purchases. Often used to describe the transition away from expansionary monetary policy.
Examples
“The central bank announced a taper of its monthly bond purchases.”
“Investors reacted nervously to the news of a taper, fearing that reduced liquidity would lead to higher interest rates.”
“Economists debated whether a gradual taper would stabilize the currency or if a more aggressive reduction in stimulus was necessary to curb rising inflation.”
Examples
simple
“The central bank announced a taper of its monthly bond purchases.”
contextual
“Investors reacted nervously to the news of a taper, fearing that reduced liquidity would lead to higher interest rates.”
complex
“Economists debated whether a gradual taper would stabilize the currency or if a more aggressive reduction in stimulus was necessary to curb rising inflation.”
Usage
Commonly used in the singular when referring to specific economic policy shifts.
Real-World Examples
“After soaring for years during the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation had finally started to taper closer to target.” “So make sure you're drinking enough water during the day, and taper off before bedtime.” Etymology
From Middle English taper, from Old English tapor (“taper, candle, wick of a lamp”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Latin papyrus (“papyrus", used in Mediaeval times to mean "wick of a candle”). If so, it is a doublet of papyrus. Alternatively, of Celtic origin related to Irish tapar (“taper”), Welsh tampr (“a taper, torch”); further compare Sanskrit तपती (tápati, “(it) warms, gives out heat, is hot; (it) heats”). More at tepid.
From tape + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. taper off
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
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