Taper Meaning in English
word
ˈteɪpɝ
TAY-per
tˈeɪpɐ
TAY-puh
Definition
To become gradually narrower or thinner at one end, or to make something do this. It can also mean to gradually decrease in amount, intensity, or size.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in scientific, mathematical, or physical descriptions ('a tapering candle'), or when talking about reductions ('taper off medication'). Commonly used as a verb or noun. Not slang; somewhat formal in daily conversation.
Spanish: afinar - estrecharse - reducirse gradualmentePortuguese (BR): afinar - afilado - afunilarPortuguese (PT): afinar - afilado - afunilarChinese (Simplified): 逐渐变细 - 逐渐减少Chinese (Traditional): 逐漸變細 - 逐漸減少Hindi: पतला होना - धीरे-धीरे कम होनाArabic: تضييق تدريجيًا - التناقص تدريجياًBengali: ধীরে ধীরে সরু হওয়া - কমে আসাRussian: сужаться - суживать - постепенно уменьшатьсяJapanese: 先細りになる - 先細らせる - 徐々に減少するVietnamese: thon dần - thu hẹp dần - giảm dầnKorean: 점점 가늘어지다 - 점점 줄어들다Turkish: inceleşmek - azaltmakUrdu: بتدریج پتلا ہونا - آہستہ آہستہ کم ہوناIndonesian: menyempit secara bertahap - mengecil secara bertahap - berkurang secara bertahap
Example Sentences
The pencil tapers to a sharp point.
basic
My jeans taper at the ankles.
basic
The medicine should taper off slowly.
basic
The tower tapers as it gets higher.
natural
The pain started to taper after a few days.
natural
Her voice tapered into a whisper as she finished the story.
natural