tapered
/ˈteɪ.pəd/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈepɚd] /ˈteɪ.pɚd/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈepɚd] /ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio)/ (ame, mw)
tapered — adjective
- taperedpositive
- more taperedcomparative
- most taperedsuperlative
1. describes an object that becomes thinner or narrower towards one end, like a pai
describes an object that becomes thinner or narrower towards one end, like a pair of jeans, a pencil, or a candle
Apinya wore a pair of tapered jeans that were tight around her ankles.
collocation: tapered + clothing (jeans, trousers, sleeves)
Tapered legs give the dining table a modern, elegant look that fits small apartments.
The knife has a tapered blade that makes it easy to slice fruit and vegetables.
Paloma bought tapered candles that fit the narrow holders on the dining table.
The tapered sleeves of the jacket made her arms look longer and slimmer.
- narrowing
focuses on the process rather than the finished shape; 'tapered' implies a more elegant, intentional design
- conical
describes a perfectly round shape that narrows to a point, while 'tapered' can apply to flat or non-circular shapes
- pointed
emphasises the sharp tip rather than the gradual narrowing; 'tapered' highlights the smooth transition
常見錯誤
tapered — verb
- taperedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- tapereds3rd person singular
- tapereding-ing form
- taperededpast simple
1. to get gradually narrower at one end along a continuous length, especially of a
to get gradually narrower at one end along a continuous length, especially of a natural or designed object such as a road, finger, or stick
The road tapered to a narrow path as it climbed into the mountains.
pattern: taper + to + noun phrase (narrow end)
The model's fingers tapered to delicate tips that made the rings look elegant.
The tail of the kite tapered to a point, helping it catch the wind.
The river tapered as it flowed further inland, becoming a small stream.
文法句型
taper + to/into + noun phrase
用法筆記
Intransitive — the thing that becomes narrower is the subject. Often followed by 'to' or 'into' to describe the narrow end.
常見錯誤
2. to become gradually less in amount, intensity, or degree over a period of time,
to become gradually less in amount, intensity, or degree over a period of time, such as rain letting up, interest fading, or noise quietening down
The heavy rain finally tapered off by late afternoon, leaving behind a clear sky.
phrasal pattern: taper off (gradual reduction)
Interest in the new video game tapered after the first few weeks of release.
The noise from the party next door gradually tapered as the night went on.
Her enthusiasm for the gardening project tapered once winter arrived and the cold set in.
文法句型
taper off
taper + adverb (gradually, slowly)
用法筆記
Intransitive — often paired with 'off' to form the phrasal verb 'taper off', which is the most natural choice for sounds, activities, or levels of interest.
常見錯誤
3. to make something become gradually narrower or smaller at one end by cutting, sh
to make something become gradually narrower or smaller at one end by cutting, shaping, or designing it that way
The designer tapered the sleeves of the jacket to create a slimmer look.
transitive: taper + object + to + purpose phrase
Yael tapered the ends of the wooden sticks with a sharp knife.
Padma asked the tailor to taper the legs of her dress trousers.
Takuya tapered the metal rod to a fine point using a bench grinder.
文法句型
taper + object + to/into + noun phrase
用法筆記
Transitive — the subject (a person or tool) reshapes the object. The object is typically a garment, piece of wood, or food item that is being modified.
常見錯誤
tapered — noun
1. a thin, narrow candle, usually long and often used for decoration on dining tabl
a thin, narrow candle, usually long and often used for decoration on dining tables, in candlesticks, or during special occasions
Zayd lit a white taper and placed it in the centre of the dining table.
countable: a taper (slender candle)
The dining room was lit by six tall tapers in silver holders.
Amara placed two tall tapers in crystal holders on the mantelpiece.
The waiter carried a single burning taper to each table to light the other candles.
- candle
generic term; a taper is a specific type of thin candle
- dinner candle
a long, thin candle used at the dining table; largely synonymous with taper
常見錯誤
2. a long, thin strip of waxed cotton or cord that burns slowly and is used to ligh
a long, thin strip of waxed cotton or cord that burns slowly and is used to light candles, lamps, gas stoves, or fires from a safe distance
Nia used a long taper to light the gas stove without burning her fingers.
used for lighting: a taper to light + [object]
The old lamp could only be lit by touching a burning taper to the wick.
To light the gas stove without leaning too close, Deepa used a long taper made of twisted waxed cotton.
Bilal reached for a taper to light the oil lamp hanging in the corner.
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: a lighting taper is not a candle — it is a wick-like tool for lighting other things. Common in homes with gas appliances, oil lamps, or open fires.
常見錯誤
3. a weak, dim source of light, usually from a candle or small flame, often used in
a weak, dim source of light, usually from a candle or small flame, often used in literary or poetic descriptions of a barely lit room or scene
The only light in the room came from a single taper flickering on the desk.
literary register: a single taper (feeble candlelight)
By the taper's dim glow, Jessica read the old letter one more time.
A single taper barely lit the long hallway of the old house.
Paloma could just make out the shape of the bed by the taper's pale flame.
用法筆記
This sense is primarily literary or poetic in modern English. In everyday conversation, 'candle' or 'light' would be used instead.
4. a shape that becomes gradually narrower from one end to the other, or the proces
a shape that becomes gradually narrower from one end to the other, or the process of becoming thinner or smaller along a length
The pencil had a smooth taper that made it comfortable to hold.
the taper of + noun (describing a shape feature)
There was a noticeable taper in her waist above the full skirt.
The baseball bat has a smooth taper from the thick barrel to the narrow handle.
The taper of the trousers from hip to ankle was very elegant.
- flare
a widening at the end, opposite of a taper
用法筆記
Can be used as a countable noun ('a slight taper') or uncountable ('the taper of the column'). Focuses on the geometric or design aspect of narrowing.