Word
tapering
Phoneticsta·per·ing
US/ˈteɪpɝɪŋ/
UK/tˈeɪpəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. becoming gradually thinner or smaller at one end. You use this to describe the shape of things like candles, leaves, or fingers.
adj. becoming gradually narrower toward one end. Often used to describe physical objects or the gradual reduction of a process or activity.
Examples
“The tree has long, tapering leaves.”
“The architect designed the skyscraper with a tapering top to help it withstand high winds at great altitudes.”
“The artist used a series of tapering lines to create a sense of depth and perspective, drawing the viewer's eye toward the distant horizon of the landscape.”
Examples
simple
“The tree has long, tapering leaves.”
contextual
“The architect designed the skyscraper with a tapering top to help it withstand high winds at great altitudes.”
complex
“The artist used a series of tapering lines to create a sense of depth and perspective, drawing the viewer's eye toward the distant horizon of the landscape.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective; can appear both before a noun and after a linking verb.
Real-World Examples
“Shaved head, broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist, feet planted in the sand and arms folded.” Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/tapering