Definition

Having a shape that gradually becomes narrower towards one end.

Example

The dress had a tapered design that flattered her figure.

Conversation

I really like those pants you bought.

Thanks! I love how they are tapered at the bottom.

Yeah, they give a nice silhouette.

Exactly! They make me look taller.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tapered → It is formed from "taper" (from Old French *taper*, meaning to make tapering or to reduce in thickness) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "tapered" means having been made thinner or narrower towards one end.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has been 'made thinner' — 'taper' means to reduce in thickness, and the '-ed' shows that this action has already happened.

Visually Confused Words