Definition of the word taper off

The word "taper off" is a phrasal verb that originated in the mid-19th century. Its roots can be traced back to the Old English word "teaprian," meaning "to decrease" or "decrease gradually." The Old English word gradually evolved into the Middle English word "tepen," which retained the meaning of "to lessen" or "decrease." The word "taper," meaning "to narrow gradually" or "to decrease in thickness," also has its roots in the Middle English period. The modern phrasal verb "taper off" combines these two Middle English words to create a new, more complex expression. The term "taper off" can be defined as a gradual decrease or diminution of something, typically a process or activity. Essentially, it describes the gradual narrowing or waning of a situation, similar to how a tapered object gradually narrows in size or width. The phrasal verb has become popular in modern English and is widely used in various contexts, such as describing a decrease in medication usage or the gradual waning of a disease or illness. It can also refer to the gradual decrease in intensity of a physical activity, such as the reduction of a nightly study routine or a decrease in the frequency of long-distance phone calls. Overall, "taper off" has become an important, dynamic component of the English language.