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Dwindle: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:become smaller gradually (dwindle)

dwindle 🔊
/ˈdwɪndl/
v.
To become smaller or less over time.
Dwindle meaning illustrated by sand decreasing in an hourglass over time.
become smaller gradually 🔊
/bɪˈkʌm ˈsmɔːlər ˈɡrædʒuəli/
v.
To gradually reduce in size, amount, or number over a period of time.
📁 Category:Social Economy 🔖 Level:intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'dwīnan', meaning 'to vanish' or 'to waste away'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a candle that dwindles down to a little stub as it burns.
📖 Example
As the new shopping mall opened across the street, the number of customers in the old family shop began to dwindle. 🔊 The customer base of the old shop started to shrink after a new mall opened nearby.
🔗 Collocations
dwindle away – to gradually disappear or become exhausted
dwindle down – to reduce slowly to a lower level
dwindle to nothing – to decrease until almost nothing remains
🔄 Synonyms
decrease (v.) – to become less in size, amount, or number
diminish (v.) – to make or become less
shrink (v.) – to become smaller in size
🚫 Antonyms
increase (v.) – to become greater in size, amount, or number
grow (v.) – to increase in size or amount
expand (v.) – to become larger or more extensive
🌱 Derivatives
dwindling (adj.) – gradually becoming smaller or less
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Middle English 'dwinden', derived from Old English 'dwīnan' (to vanish). Historically used since the 16th century to describe gradual reduction in resources or populations.

Meaning 2:weaken gradually (dwindle)

dwindle 🔊
/ˈdwɪndl/
v.
To weaken or lose power, interest, or importance gradually.
Dwindle definition shown by a candle gradually burning down and weakening.
weaken gradually 🔊
/ˈwiːkən ˈɡrædʒuəli/
v.
To gradually lose strength, enthusiasm, or significance.
📁 Category:Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level:intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
His initial excitement for the online course started to dwindle after the first few weeks of difficult assignments. 🔊 His enthusiasm for the course diminished after facing challenging assignments.
🔗 Collocations
dwindle in enthusiasm – to gradually lose interest or excitement
dwindle over time – to decrease slowly as time passes
dwindle away – to fade or diminish gradually
🔄 Synonyms
fade (v.) – to gradually disappear or become less visible
wane (v.) – to decrease in size, strength, or power
decline (v.) – to become weaker or worse
🚫 Antonyms
strengthen (v.) – to become stronger
intensify (v.) – to become more intense or stronger
revive (v.) – to regain strength or vitality
🌱 Derivatives
dwindling (adj.) – gradually becoming smaller or less
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