melt away

USAGE SUMMARY

"melt away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something quickly vanishing or dissolving, typically due to the passage of time or some other external force. For example, "The snow on the mountains began to slowly melt away as summer approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Contracts melt away.

The New York Times

They melt away our symptoms.

The New York Times

Her majority in Congress may melt away.

The Economist

The hands melt away into formless whiteness.

The New York Times - Arts

What was left did melt away locally.

The New Yorker

They are not going to melt away.

The New Yorker

Then the rebels seemed to melt away.

The New York Times

The skepticism began to melt away.

The New York Times

Her anxieties began to melt away.

The New York Times - Health

The time seemed to melt away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Melt-Away Figure Drawings Reveal the Skeletons Beneath.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "melt away", consider the imagery it evokes – a softening and vanishing. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "melt away" to describe something that vanishes instantaneously. The phrase implies a gradual process, not an immediate disappearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "melt away" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the process of something gradually disappearing or diminishing. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as seen in numerous examples, often depicting the vanishing of intangible things like anxieties or tangible things like ice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "melt away" is a common and versatile phrasal verb signifying a gradual disappearance or diminishing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in scientific and informal writing. Its usage evokes imagery of softening and vanishing. Remember to use it to describe gradual processes rather than instantaneous events. Considering alternatives like "fade away" or "dissipate" can add nuance to your writing. As Ludwig's examples show, "melt away" effectively portrays the easing of negative emotions or the progressive reduction of physical phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance, often used for memories or sounds, similar to "melt away" but less forceful.

disappear gradually

More literal and less figurative than "melt away", focusing on the act of vanishing over time.

vanish slowly

Similar to "disappear gradually", but emphasizes the mysterious nature of the disappearance.

dissipate

Suggests a scattering or breaking up of something, like a crowd or fog, with a similar sense of vanishing.

ebb away

Often used for emotions or strength, suggesting a gradual decline, similar to how "melt away" describes a reduction in something.

decline steadily

More formal and less evocative than "melt away", indicating a gradual decrease or weakening.

dwindle

Implies a reduction in size or amount over time, similar to the effect of something "melting away".

evaporate

Suggests a quick disappearance like water turning to vapor, similar to the vanishing aspect of "melt away" but more abrupt.

peter out

Means to gradually decrease and stop, often used for enthusiasm or resources, similar to the diminishing aspect of "melt away".

subside

Typically refers to water levels or emotions decreasing, similar to the reduction implied by "melt away".

FAQs

How can I use "melt away" in a sentence?

You can use "melt away" to describe something that gradually disappears, such as "The snow began to "melt away" in the spring sunshine" or "Her worries seemed to "melt away" during the relaxing massage".

What does "melt away" mean?

"Melt away" means to gradually disappear or vanish, often implying a softening or lessening of something, such as fear, tension, or ice.

Which is a better phrase, "melt away" or "disappear"?

"Melt away" suggests a more gradual and often pleasant disappearance, while "disappear" is a more general term. Use ""melt away"" when you want to emphasize the gradual and softening nature of the disappearance.

Can "melt away" be used to describe feelings?

Yes, "melt away" is often used to describe the gradual disappearance of negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, or tension. For example, "Her anxieties began to "melt away" as she listened to calming music".