The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

subside

IPA:

Dictionary definition of subside

To gradually diminish or decrease in intensity, strength, or activity.
"The floodwaters gradually began to subside, revealing the damage left behind."

Detailed meaning of subside

It conveys the idea of something becoming less severe, turbulent, or pronounced over time. When an event, emotion, or physical sensation subsides, it means that it is calming down or returning to a more normal or peaceful state after a period of heightened activity or intensity. This word is often used to describe the easing of natural phenomena like storms, where winds and rainfall gradually decrease, or emotional states like anger or anxiety, which slowly lessen in intensity as time passes. "Subside" implies a return to a quieter or more manageable state, offering a sense of relief or tranquility after a period of disturbance or agitation. Overall, "subside" signifies the process of moderation or calming down, marking the transition from a heightened state to a more stable and peaceful one.

Example sentences containing subside

1. After the storm passed, the wind began to subside.
2. The pain in my shoulder started to subside after I took some painkillers.
3. As the medication took effect, my headache started to subside.
4. The pain in my leg began to subside after I took the painkillers.
5. The anger in his voice took a while to subside after the argument.
6. It took several days for the swelling in my ankle to subside.

History and etymology of subside

The verb 'subside' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'subsīdere,' which is a combination of 'sub' (meaning 'under') and 'sīdere' (meaning 'to sit' or 'to settle'). In Latin, 'subsīdere' was used to describe the action of settling down or sinking, often under something. As the term transitioned into Middle English and eventually into Modern English, it became 'subside,' retaining the sense of gradually diminishing or decreasing in intensity, strength, or activity, akin to something settling down or quieting. 'Subside' is often used to describe natural phenomena like floods receding, as well as emotional or physical states like pain or excitement gradually calming down. The etymology of 'subside' effectively conveys its historical connection to the idea of settling or sinking, emphasizing its role as a verb used to describe the gradual decrease or diminishment of something.

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Further usage examples of subside

1. After a few deep breaths, her anxiety began to subside.
2. The noise from the construction site finally started to subside in the evening.
3. As the fire was extinguished, the flames started to subside.
4. The initial excitement of winning the lottery eventually subsided.
5. The intense heat began to subside as the sun set.
6. I had to wait for the noise outside to subside before making the phone call.
7. Once the applause died down, the speaker's voice could be heard as it subsided.
8. The waves crashing against the shore gradually subsided as the storm moved away.
9. The intense pain in my leg slowly began to subside.
10. The uproar in the classroom began to subside when the teacher raised her voice.
11. The tension in the room started to subside after they reached a compromise.
12. The storm's fury eventually subsided, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
13. After a heated argument, their anger took a while to subside.
14. The swelling in my eyes began to subside after applying a cold compress.