peter out

IPA/pˈiːtəɹ ˈaʊt/
IPA/pˈiːɾɚɹ ˈaʊt/

peter out — phrasal verb

  • peter outbase form
  • peters out3rd person singular
  • petering out-ing form
  • petered outpast simple

1. to slowly become weaker, quieter, or less, and then stop or disappear completely

1.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to slowly become weaker, quieter, or less, and then stop or disappear completely

例句

The party music petered out around 2 a.m. when most guests went home.

collocation: peter out + time reference (around 2 a.m.)

Chloe's enthusiasm for knitting petered out after she finished just one scarf.

subject is a feeling or interest (enthusiasm)

同義詞
  • fade away

    same gradual process, slightly more general in use

  • tail off

    more common in British English for sounds or conversations

  • die down

    used when noise, wind, or excitement gets weaker but may not disappear completely

反義詞
  • intensify

    to grow stronger or more active

  • pick up

    to become more lively or active again

文法句型

peter out

peter out + once/when/as + clause

用法筆記

Intransitive only — the activity itself stops, not something stopping it. Cannot take a direct object. Common with sounds, weather, feelings, conversations, and social movements.

常見錯誤

❌The battery petered out during the call.
✅The battery died during the call.
💡'peter out' describes a gradual natural process, not a power source failing suddenly, and is not used for machines or batteries.
❌The teacher petered out the lesson early.
✅The lesson petered out early.
💡'peter out' is intransitive; you cannot 'peter something out'.