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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

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

Meaning 1：become smaller gradually (dwindle)

dwindle 🔊

/ˈdwɪndl/

To become smaller or less over time.

Dwindle meaning illustrated by sand decreasing in an hourglass over time.

become smaller gradually 🔊

➕

/bɪˈkʌm ˈsmɔːlər ˈɡrædʒuəli/

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/

To weaken or lose power, interest, or importance gradually.

Dwindle definition shown by a candle gradually burning down and weakening.

weaken gradually 🔊

➕

/ˈwiːkən ˈɡrædʒuəli/

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