recede

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recede" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb which means to go or move back, or to become less intense or to retreat. You can use it in any context where something is moving or decreasing in intensity or size. For example: "The storm clouds receded over the horizon, leaving the sky clear and blue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hope of a ceasefire – by far the most reliable and principled mechanism to protect Syrian lives – will recede again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first device that makes other devices recede into the background".

The Guardian - Tech

She was the only photographer I ever wanted to sit in on an interview I was doing, not just because she could recede into invisibility, hands folded in her lap, placid as Miss Marple, or stealthily circle the room, eyes glinting, but also because she disarmed people.

The Guardian - Arts

The hope is that as growth picks up, Euroscepticism will weaken and eventually recede.

The Guardian - Opinion

So prices in Gaza are rising and building at some sites has ceased.Hopes among Gazans that Egypt's Islamist government was merely trying to convince Western ones that it would not pander to its friends in Hamas have begun to recede.

The Economist

Life is slowing down and speeding up at the same time: families arrive later, even as careers are accelerating.Work may go on longer these days, as retirement and pensions recede into old age; but, for many in the professional classes, its peak comes earlier—as a glance at the people who run the country attests.

The Economist

Like other technologies in history, IT and telecommunications seem destined gradually to recede into the background of human activity, leaving more time and energy to get on with the infinite complexities of business, and of life in general.

The Economist

And the threat of home-grown crisis appeared to recede when Republicans in the House forbore to use the threat of default to extract spending cuts.

The Economist

With a presidential election not due until March, and with no convincing candidates emerging, the prospect of Argentina recovering from its shocking economic collapse seems to recede like a mirage on an endless Pampas road.The government is still going through the motions of trying to reach an agreement with the IMF which would at least roll over Argentina's obligations to the Fund itself.

The Economist

Glaciers visible through living room windows recede up mountain valleys.

The Economist

If investors are convinced that all bad debts in Spain's banking system have been revealed and if Spain's government shows it can raise the cash to recapitalise weak lenders, then fears about the country's solvency should recede.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recede" when you want to emphasize a gradual movement away or a decrease in intensity, such as floodwaters receding or fears receding after a crisis.

Common error

Avoid using "recede" with concrete objects that disappear abruptly. Instead, reserve it for gradual withdrawals or diminishments. For instance, say "the army retreated" rather than "the army receded" if the movement was sudden.

Linguistic Context

The word "recede" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating a movement backward or a decrease in intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "recede" describes situations like floodwaters moving back or fears diminishing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "recede" is a versatile verb used to describe the action of moving backward or decreasing in intensity. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. With a neutral register, "recede" is apt for describing situations ranging from floodwaters subsiding to fears diminishing. While alternatives like "retreat", "withdraw", and "diminish" exist, "recede" distinctly emphasizes a gradual movement or decline. Remember to reserve its usage for scenarios involving gradual withdrawal rather than abrupt disappearance. In summary, "recede" is a common and useful word to indicate the process of something drawing back or becoming less prominent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retreat

A formal term for withdrawing from a position or situation.

withdraw

Similar to retreat, but can also apply to removing something.

move back

Focuses on the physical aspect of retreating or withdrawing.

subside

Often used in reference to water levels or emotional intensity.

draw back

Implies a cautious or hesitant withdrawal.

diminish

Highlights the reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

lessen

Indicates a decrease in amount, degree, or severity.

fall back

Suggests a strategic or defensive retreat.

ebb

Specifically refers to the receding of the tide, or a gradual decline.

wane

Implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "recede" in a sentence?

You can use "recede" to describe something moving back or decreasing in intensity. For example, "The floodwaters began to recede" or "Her fears started to recede as she gained confidence".

What are some alternatives to the word "recede"?

Some alternatives to "recede" include "retreat", "withdraw", "diminish", or "subside", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "recede" over "retreat"?

"Recede" often implies a gradual withdrawal or decrease, while "retreat" can suggest a more abrupt or strategic withdrawal. Use "recede" when something is slowly moving away or diminishing in intensity.

What does it mean when someone says that the coastline is receding?

When someone says the coastline is receding, it means that the sea is moving further inland and/or the beach is becoming more distant from the ocean, it means that the sea is moving further inland and/or the beach is becoming more distant from the ocean, often due to erosion, rising sea levels or other natural factors.