dwindle
UK: ˈdwɪndl | US: ˈdwɪndl
vi. to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less in amount
vi. to waste away or diminish slowly
dwindle = dwine<fade away> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- dwine (Old English dwīnan, meaning "to waste away or fade")
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action)
Etymology Origin:
"Dwindle" originates from the Old English verb dwīnan, meaning "to fade or waste away," combined with the frequentative suffix -le, which suggests a gradual or repetitive process. The word evolved in Middle English as dwinelen, emphasizing a slow decline. Its modern form captures the essence of something diminishing bit by bit, often used metaphorically (e.g., resources, hope, or populations).
The campfire's flames began to dwindle as the night grew colder.
Her enthusiasm for the project dwindled after months of delays.
The river's water supply has dwindled due to the drought.
His savings dwindled to almost nothing after the unexpected expense.
Public support for the policy dwindled over time.