subside

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'subside' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to gradually decrease in intensity, rate, or severity, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Example sentence: After the initial shock of the accident wore off, the pain started to subside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The southern city of Passau, on the river Danube, was breathing a sigh of relief on Wednesday as water levels there, which had never been higher since 1501, began to subside.

The Guardian

See articleProtests across Egypt by supporters of the Islamist government ousted by the army began to subside, as Muslim Brotherhood leaders and 1,500 disciples were rounded up following the death of around a thousand of them when police broke up sit-ins in Cairo the week before.

The Economist

(Mr Dershowitz started the name calling, but Mr Greenwald happily joined in).Pressure on Brooklyn College has begun to subside, with Michael Bloomberg, New York's mayor, joining the editorial board of the New York Times and the progressive caucus of the city council in speaking out in support of academic freedom.

The Economist

Once Mr bin Laden and the Taliban are gone, what is to stop the United States and its allies from abandoning the region, allowing Afghanistan to subside into old habits of anarchy and violence?The answer is that such neglect bred terrorism in the first place.

The Economist

Mr Quattrone was tried last year on charges of attempting to obstruct an investigation into the allocation of such shares, but a mistrial was declared after the jury failed to reach a verdict.While the rash of scandals did subside somewhat in 2003, another of the best-known corporate personalities of the late 1990s fell from grace.

The Economist

Since the start of the year stockmarkets in rich countries have been buoyant, as investors' fears about the American economy and the euro zone subside.

The Economist

If you reduce that ratio, the epidemic will slow; if you can get it below one, it will subside (see article).Science can help.

The Economist

Most expect a rise in American interest rates by next year: a sharp one might be a headache for Brazil, unless its recovery gathers pace and its political tensions subside (see article).

The Economist

Despite peace deals in 2003 and 2008, the tempest of violence has yet fully to subside.

The Economist

That may pose a problem for rich-world inflation fighters, because price pressures will not necessarily subside as their growth slows.In this section Overview Output, prices and jobs The Economist commodity-price index Consumer prices in the OECD Trade, exchange rates, budget balances and interest rates Markets Iceland Reprints.

The Economist

And whereas Mr Chrétien is now 66, Mr Martin, at 61, is closer in age to Mr Day, an athletic 49.Liberal rivalries may now subside, but only until Mr Chrétien has presided over Canada Day celebrations in July.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subside" when you want to emphasize a gradual decrease in something that was previously intense or elevated, such as water levels or emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "subside" when you mean "supersede". "Subside" means to diminish or abate, while "supersede" means to take the place of someone or something previously in authority or use.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "subside" is as an intransitive verb, indicating that something is lessening or diminishing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a process of reduction or abatement. It doesn't take a direct object, focusing instead on the subject's change in state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "subside" is a versatile verb indicating a reduction in intensity, level, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Frequently found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication. As a related word, you can use "abate", "diminish", and "wane". Remember to use "subside" to emphasize a gradual decrease, and avoid confusing it with "supersede".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abate

Similar in meaning but often used in the context of reducing something negative or unpleasant.

diminish

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

wane

Implies a gradual decrease in power, prosperity, or intensity.

lessen

A general term for making or becoming less.

ease off

Suggests a reduction in pressure or intensity, often used informally.

calm down

Refers to a reduction in emotional intensity or turbulence.

settle down

Indicates a return to a more stable or peaceful state.

die down

Implies a gradual reduction in intensity, often used for fires or emotions.

peter out

Suggests a gradual decrease to the point of disappearing entirely.

weaken

Indicates a loss of strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

How do I use "subside" in a sentence?

You can use "subside" to describe the lessening of intensity or strength, such as "The floodwaters began to subside" or "Her anger eventually subsided".

What's a good alternative to the word "subside"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "subside" include "abate", "diminish", or "wane".

Is it correct to say "subside down"?

Saying "subside down" is redundant because "subside" already implies a downward movement or decrease. It is better to simply use "subside".

What is the difference between "subside" and "recede"?

"Subside" generally refers to a decrease in intensity or level, while "recede" specifically refers to something moving back or away, like floodwaters receding from a shoreline.