Taper

/ˈteɪpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a gradual decrease in thickness, amount, or intensity.

The taper of the candle made it aesthetically pleasing.

a thin candle, often used for lighting.

She lit a taper and placed it in the holder on the table.

a gradual decrease in something, especially in a strategy or approach.

The taper in funding was evident as the project progressed.

verb

to diminish gradually in thickness, amount, or intensity.

The candle will taper as it burns down.

to lessen or reduce in amount or intensity.

They decided to taper off the medication over a few weeks.

to gradually narrow towards one end.

The artist chose to taper the end of the sculpture for a more elegant appearance.

Middle English 'taper', from Old French 'taper', based on Latin 'taperem' meaning 'to make thin'.

taper off

to gradually lessen in amount or intensity.

tapered fit

a style of clothing that becomes narrower towards the bottom.

tapered haircut

a hairstyle that gradually decreases in length from top to bottom.

narrow

to become less wide.

shrink

to become smaller in size.

reduce

to make smaller or less in amount.

to taper off

We're going to taper off our workouts as the competition approaches.

tapering down

I’m tapering down my caffeine intake before the exam.