taper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "taper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean a gradual decrease in intensity or size. For example, "The effects of the medication should taper off gradually over the next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.09am ET16 09 Rep Carolyn Maloney asks whether January's weak jobs report has caused the Fed to consider slowing the "taper" – its plan to decrease asset purchases.

The Guardian - Business

It suggests it would take as much as £3bn to restore the planned UC taper – the rate at which UC is withdrawn as earnings rise – to the level at which tax credits were withdrawn.

The Guardian

The prime minister suggested that the cuts, due in 2013 but announced more than a year ago, would be examined to see if there was a taper that could be applied to the system.

The Guardian

More monetary medicine, notwithstanding the Fed's softly-softly "taper" on QE, could keep the stock market party swinging for a lot longer yet.

The Guardian - Business

However, Young began to taper off and saw her hopes of a top-three finish end on Saturday as she was black flagged in the afternoon, before finishing fourth in the last fleet race.

The Guardian - Sport

Taper rates, which adjust the reduction in the full pension depending on the recipient's assets and income, are also now in the spotlight.

The Guardian

The Commission of Audit recommended abolishing the second income test for the payment, which simplified four tiers of payment to just a maximum rate and a part rate which reduced to nil with a 20c taper.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Madden, market analyst at IG, said: Equity markets are edgy ahead of next week's US Federal Reserve meeting; judging by the sea of red on trading screens, investors are pointing towards a taper.

The Guardian - Business

But it leaves wide open the question of when the Fed will taper.

The Economist

Mr Puri declared growth would return quickly to over 7%, from the present 4.4%.And then in the greatest gift of all on September 18th the Federal Reserve blinked and said that it would not "taper" its vast purchases of bonds but instead keep policy ultra-loose.

The Economist

A push for transpacific and transatlantic trade deals will be further evidence of the West's rediscovery of economic leadership.A second shift will be signalled by central banks, especially by America's Federal Reserve, as it starts to "taper" its bond-buying.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In athletic training, carefully manage the "taper" period before a major event to optimize performance. Reduce training volume strategically.

Common error

Avoid using "taper" when you mean to completely stop something. "Taper" implies a gradual reduction, while termination indicates a full stop. Ensure that your word choice reflects the intended meaning of gradual reduction, not complete cessation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "taper" is to denote a gradual reduction or decrease. As a verb, it describes the action of diminishing over time; as a noun, it refers to the process or state of gradual decline. Ludwig examples showcase its versatile use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "taper" correctly indicates a gradual decrease, functioning as both a verb and a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently observed in various professional contexts, especially news and formal business communications. When employing "taper", ensure that you're referring to a gradual lessening rather than a complete stop, and be specific about what's being reduced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "gradually decrease" or "diminish slowly" can offer similar semantic meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gradually decrease

Focuses on the gradual aspect of reduction, emphasizing the process over the end result.

Diminish slowly

Highlights the slowness of the reduction, suggesting a less abrupt change.

Reduce incrementally

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the decrease.

Narrow progressively

Specifically relates to physical narrowing or reduction in scope.

Phase out gradually

Implies a planned and systematic elimination over time.

Decline steadily

Suggests a continuous and consistent reduction in quantity or quality.

Ebb away slowly

Conveys a gentle and natural diminishing, often used metaphorically.

Subside gradually

Often used in the context of reducing intensity or strength, like a feeling or storm.

Weaken over time

Focuses on the lessening of strength or influence.

Fade away gradually

Suggests a slow disappearance or diminishing presence.

FAQs

How is "taper" used in financial contexts?

In finance, "taper" often describes the gradual reduction of asset purchases by a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve. It signifies a planned slowdown, not a sudden stop, in monetary easing.

What does it mean to "taper" in athletic training?

In sports, a "taper" refers to the strategic reduction of training volume leading up to a major competition, allowing the athlete to recover and perform optimally. This is different from ceasing training altogether.

What are some synonyms for "taper" that indicate a gradual decrease?

Synonyms include "gradually decrease", "diminish slowly", or "phase out gradually", all suggesting a slow and progressive reduction.

Is it grammatically correct to use "taper" as both a verb and a noun?

Yes, "taper" can function as both a verb (to gradually reduce) and a noun (a gradual reduction). For example, "The Fed will taper its bond-buying program (verb)" or "The taper of the program is expected to be gradual (noun)".