Wither away Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To slowly dry up, weaken, or shrink, often because of lack of care or nutrients. Used for plants, body parts, and sometimes for things like hopes or traditions.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in writing, not casual speech. Most common with plants or body parts ('the flowers withered away', 'muscles withered away'). Can be metaphorical ('hopes withered away'). Often found in passive or descriptive contexts.
Example Sentences
The leaves started to wither away in the hot sun.
basic
If you don't water the plant, it will wither away.
basic
After his illness, his muscles began to wither away.
basic
As time passed, the old traditions slowly withered away.
natural
Without regular use, my language skills started to wither away.
natural
Their excitement about the project soon withered away when they saw how hard it was.
natural