Ebb
ɛb
Definitions
2 meaningsTo gradually decrease or diminish; to flow back or recede, as the tide.
ɛb
To gradually lessen or recede.
As the storm passed, the rain began to ebb.
💡 Simply: Imagine the water at the beach going away, like when the tide goes out. That's 'ebb'! It can also mean something else, like your excitement going down slowly.
👶 For kids: Ebb means to go away or get smaller, like when the water at the beach goes back to the ocean.
More Examples
My initial excitement for the new job began to ebb after the first few weeks.
The river's flow ebbed noticeably during the drought.
How It's Used
"The tide ebbed, revealing the sandy shore."
"Her enthusiasm began to ebb after the project's setbacks."
The receding movement of the tide; a decline or lessening.
ɛb
The retreat of the tide.
We planned our beach visit to coincide with the ebb of the tide.
💡 Simply: The 'ebb' is like when the tide is going out at the beach, or when something gets smaller or less important. It’s the opposite of when things are flowing or growing.
👶 For kids: Ebb is when the water at the beach goes back to the ocean, the opposite of when it comes in.
More Examples
The ebb in her confidence was noticeable after the rejection.
The ebb and flow of the market is unpredictable.
How It's Used
"The fishermen returned to shore during the ebb of the tide."
"There was an ebb and flow of emotions throughout the day."
Idioms & expressions
ebb and flow
A recurrent pattern of increase and decrease or movement.
"The ebb and flow of the tides is a natural phenomenon."
From Middle English ebben, from Old English ebba (“the flowing back of the tide”). Related to the Proto-Germanic *ebō (“receding water, ebb”), which is also the source of Dutch ebbe and German Ebbe.
The word "ebb" has been used since Old English to describe the receding of the tide. It was also used figuratively to describe the decline of strength or fortune.
Memory tip
Think of the tide going out: the water ebbs away.
Word Origin
"the flowing back of the tide"