Differences between ebb away and fade away
Ebb away and fade away both mean to gradually decrease or disappear, but ebb away is usually used to describe a gradual decrease in something that was once strong or intense, while fade away is more commonly used to describe a gradual disappearance of something that was once visible or audible.
Meanings and Definitions: ebb away vs fade away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Ebb away
- 1Disappear gradually.
His life was EBBED AWAY as the illness progressed.
Fade away
- 1Gradually disappear or become less noticeable.
Her footsteps faded away down the staircase.
- 2Gradually disappear or become less noticeable or important.
If you don’t start eating properly you’re going to fade away.
Usage Examples: ebb away, fade away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
ebb away
Example
The sound of the music ebbed away as we walked further from the concert.
Example
Her energy ebbs away as the day goes on.
fade away
Example
The sound of the music faded away as we walked further from the concert.
Example
The echo fades away in the distance.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Ebb away
To gradually decrease or become weaker over time.
Example
Her enthusiasm for the project began to wane after several setbacks.
To become less intense or severe over time.
Example
After taking medication, her headache began to subside.
To move back or away from a previous position or level.
Example
As the tide went out, the water began to recede from the shore.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fade away
To disappear completely or suddenly.
Example
The magician made the rabbit vanish with a wave of his wand.
To gradually disappear or disperse over time.
Example
The fog began to dissipate as the sun rose higher in the sky.
To become smaller or less significant over time.
Example
The company's profits began to diminish after a series of bad investments.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “fade”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
- chuck away
- get away
- move away
- back away
- lock away
Differences in ebb away vs fade away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: ebb away or fade away?
Both ebb away and fade away are commonly used in everyday conversation, but fade away is slightly more common. This is because it can be used in a wider range of contexts, such as describing the fading of colors or sounds, while ebb away is more specific to describing the gradual decrease of emotions or intensity.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of ebb away and fade away
Both ebb away and fade away are relatively formal phrases that can be used in a variety of settings, including academic and professional contexts. However, there are more formal alternatives that can be used in certain situations, such as 'dissipate' or 'diminish'.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of ebb away and fade away
The tone of ebb away and fade away can differ based on context. Ebb away often carries a melancholic or nostalgic tone when related to emotions or memories, while fade away typically has a neutral or descriptive tone, especially when referring to visual or auditory phenomena.
