Ebb: meaning, definitions and examples

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ebb

 

[ ɛb ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

tide movement

Ebb refers to the movement of the tide away from the land, typically characterized by a decrease in water level. It can also describe a decline or reduction in strength or intensity, often in a metaphorical sense, such as an ebb of enthusiasm or joy.

Synonyms

decline, diminution, recession

Examples of usage

  • The tide is beginning to ebb.
  • He felt an ebb of confidence during the presentation.
  • There was an ebb in demand for the product.
Context #2 | Verb

water movement

To ebb means to flow back or recede, especially in relation to tides. It signifies a gradual decrease or diminishing process, often used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Synonyms

dwindle, lessen, recede

Examples of usage

  • The waters began to ebb at sunset.
  • Her strength ebbed as the illness progressed.
  • Interest in the project began to ebb.

Translations

Translations of the word "ebb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fluxo de mar

🇮🇳 निम्नता

🇩🇪 Ebbe

🇮🇩 surut

🇺🇦 відплив

🇵🇱 odpływ

🇯🇵 引き潮

🇫🇷 marée basse

🇪🇸 marea baja

🇹🇷 alçak su

🇰🇷 썰물

🇸🇦 مد الجزر

🇨🇿 odliv

🇸🇰 odliv

🇨🇳 低潮

🇸🇮 plima

🇮🇸 fjara

🇰🇿 су деңгейінің төмендеуі

🇬🇪 მინიმუმი

🇦🇿 çixma

🇲🇽 marea baja

Etymology

The word 'ebb' has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled 'æbbian', meaning 'to flow back.' It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root '*abō', which also refers to the process of receding or moving away. The concept of ebb has been used historically in nautical contexts to describe the cyclical movement of tides influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass both physical and figurative meanings, illustrating declines in various domains, such as emotion, energy, and interest. Its usage reflects the changing nature of circumstances and how they can rise and fall, much like the tides themselves.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,266, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.