Langimage
English

ebb

|ebb|

B2

/ɛb/

receding or declining

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ebb' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ebba,' where 'ebba' meant 'receding tide.'

Historical Evolution

'ebba' transformed into the Middle English word 'ebbe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ebb.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'receding tide,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the movement of the tide out to sea.

The ebb of the tide left the beach exposed.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to recede or move away from the land.

The tide began to ebb, revealing the rocks.

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Antonyms

Verb 2

to decline or diminish.

His enthusiasm began to ebb after the initial excitement.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35