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Dwindled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dwindled

[หˆdwin(d)ษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

gradual decrease

To dwindle means to gradually decrease in size, amount, or strength. It often implies a slow and steady reduction over time, which contrasts sharply with a sudden loss. This word is often used to describe resources, populations, or even personal vitality. The term suggests that something is fading away or diminishing, resulting in a lessened state or condition.

Synonyms

decrease, diminish, lessen, shrink, wane.

Examples of usage

  • The water supply dwindled during the drought.
  • His enthusiasm for the project dwindled as obstacles arose.
  • Numbers of the species have dwindled due to habitat loss.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Dwindle is often used in literature to describe the fading of hope or resources in stories.
  • Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and George Orwell have used the term to emphasize loss or decline in their narratives.
  • In poetic contexts, dwindling can symbolize the ephemeral nature of life or dreams.

Psychology

  • The perception of dwindling resources can impact human behavior, leading to anxiety and resource hoarding.
  • Cognitive psychology suggests that people generally overestimate losses, feeling more stressed as things dwindle.
  • In group dynamics, dwindled support can weaken morale, causing individuals to feel isolated.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often use the concept of dwindling relationships to evoke emotion and tension.
  • In popular media, characters might face dwindling options, enhancing the drama of their journey.
  • Reality shows often dramatize dwindling funds or support, increasing the stakes for participants.

Natural Sciences

  • In ecology, populations of species are said to dwindle when resources are scarce or environmental conditions worsen.
  • Studies show that dwindling bee populations can significantly affect ecosystems and agriculture due to their pollination role.
  • Climate change is a major factor in the dwindling of various habitats, leading to species extinction.

Origin of 'dwindled'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Dwindled' comes from the Middle English word 'dwindlen,' which means to waste away.
  • The word is believed to have started in the 16th century, keeping its meaning consistent through time.
  • Similar words include 'dwindle' (verb) and 'dwindling' (adjective), all sharing the same root.

The word 'dwindled' comes from the Middle English 'dwindlen', which is a frequentative verb form of the word 'dwind', itself derived from the Old English 'dwindan', meaning 'to waste away or to fall away'. The roots of 'dwindan' trace back to the Proto-Germanic *dwindลnฤ…, which meant to 'waste' or 'dwindle'. Over time, the term evolved in usage, capturing the essence of diminishing in size or quantity. By the 15th century, 'dwindle' had become commonly used in English literature and conversation to describe the decline of various entities, not just physical objects but also more abstract concepts like hope or friendship. Today, it maintains its strong connection to the idea of gradual loss or reduction.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,713, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.