Differences between wear away and wear down
Wear away means to gradually erode or disappear over time due to natural causes, while wear down means to make someone tired or weak through persistent effort or pressure.
Meanings and Definitions: wear away vs wear down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Wear away
- 1Erode, remove gradually.
The lawn has been WORN AWAY by people walking across it and it's just bare soil now with hardly a blade of grass.
Wear down
- 1Make something weaker.
The stress of my job is WEARING me DOWN.
Usage Examples: wear away, wear down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
wear away
Example
The constant rubbing of the shoes against the floor will eventually wear away the carpet.
Example
The river wears away the rocks over time, creating a smooth surface.
wear down
Example
The constant noise wears down my patience.
Example
The rough surface wears down the tires quickly.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear away
To gradually wear away or break down a material or substance due to natural causes such as wind or water.
Example
The rocks on the beach had been eroded by the constant crashing of waves.
To gradually disappear or become weaker over time.
Example
The sugar cube slowly dissolved in the hot tea.
To gradually lose color, brightness, or clarity over time.
Example
The old photograph had faded over time, making it difficult to see the details.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear down
To make someone extremely tired or weak through physical or mental effort.
Example
The long hike had exhausted him, and he needed to rest for a while.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in wear away vs wear down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: wear away or wear down?
Both phrases are commonly used in English, but wear down is more frequently used in everyday conversation. Wear away is often used in specific contexts such as erosion or weathering.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of wear away and wear down
Both wear away and wear down are informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, wear down can also be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of wear away and wear down
The tone of wear away is often neutral or descriptive, while wear down can have a negative connotation when referring to making someone tired or weak.
