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ebb

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɛb/

KK: /ɛb/

intransitive verb
Definition

To decrease or move back, especially in relation to the tide or a flow of something.


Example

As the tide began to ebb, the water level slowly receded from the shore.


Tense Forms

Past: ebbed

Past Participle: ebbed


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed how the tide starts to ebb in the evening?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's fascinating to watch it change like that.
Sloth A
I love how it reveals all the shells on the beach when it starts to ebb.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It’s like a treasure hunt every time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
recede
diminish
wane
Antonyms
rise
increase
surge
noun
Definition

A time when something decreases or becomes less strong, often used to describe the movement of the tide going away from the shore.


Example

During the ebb of the tide, the water level drops significantly.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed the ebb in enthusiasm for that new project?
Sloth B
Yeah, it seems like people are losing interest pretty quickly.
Sloth A
I wonder if it’s just a temporary ebb, or if it will last longer.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Ebb → The word 'ebb' originates from Old English 'ebba', meaning to flow back or recede. It describes the movement of the tide as it goes out.

Memory Tip

Imagine the tide 'flowing back' — that's what ebb means, as it refers to the water receding.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

Is this page helpful?
Hopefully, it’s just a phase — we need that energy back!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decline
recession
diminution
Antonyms
flow
surge
increase