What does “ebb” mean?
- 1
verb(of the tide) to move away from the land
We walked on the sand as the tide ebbed.
- 2
verbto gradually become weaker or less
His enthusiasm ebbed as the problems grew.
- 3
nounthe movement of the tide away from the shore
Boats are stuck in the harbor at the ebb.
Ebb at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb & noun
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /ɛb/ · EB
How to use “ebb” correctly
“At a low ebb” means in a weak or depressed state. “The ebb and flow” describes regular rise and fall.
Common phrases with “ebb”
- ebb and flow
- at a low ebb
- ebb away
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- recede
- fade
- wane
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- flow
- grow
“ebb” is on these word lists
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