taper

/ˈteɪpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈepɚ] /ˈteɪpər/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈepɚ] /ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈteɪ.pər/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈepɚ] /ˈteɪ.pɚ/ (ame, ipa)

taper — 動詞

  • taperpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tapershe / she / it
  • taperedpast simple
  • tapering-ing form

1. to run from a wider part to a thinner tip, or to shape something so it becomes n

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

漸窄；削尖

一端慢慢變窄，或把末端修窄

to run from a wider part to a thinner tip, or to shape something so it becomes narrow near the end

例句

The path tapers as it reaches the old stone bridge.

這條小路快到那座老石橋時會逐漸變窄。

intransitive: shape becomes narrower

The carpenter tapered the table legs before adding the dark stain.

木匠先把桌腳削尖一些，再上深色木漆。

transitive: taper + object

同義詞
  • narrow

    A broader everyday verb that does not always suggest a gradual change toward one end.

  • sharpen

    Used when the goal is specifically to make an edge or tip sharp.

反義詞
  • widen

    Shows the shape becoming broader instead of narrower.

文法句型

something tapers toward one end

taper something at the end

用法筆記

Often used for physical forms such as paths, legs, pencils, or branches. Distinguish from verb/2, which is about an amount becoming smaller over time.

常見錯誤

❌The road tapered suddenly at the crossing.
✅The road narrowed suddenly at the crossing.
💡taper usually suggests a gradual change of shape, not an abrupt one.

2. to grow smaller little by little in amount, strength, or level, or to reduce it

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

漸減；減少

數量、強度或程度慢慢變少

to grow smaller little by little in amount, strength, or level, or to reduce it in stages

例句

Phone calls tapered after the family moved overseas in August.

那家人搬到海外後，電話來往就漸漸減少了。

activity gradually becomes less frequent

The nurse tapered his pain medicine over three careful weeks.

護理師用三週時間慢慢減少他的止痛藥劑量。

taper medicine over a period

同義詞
  • diminish

    More formal and often used in writing about size, force, or importance.

  • ease

    Often used when pain, pressure, or tension becomes less strong.

  • tail off

    More informal and common for activity, speech, or demand fading away.

反義詞
  • increase

    Used when an amount or level becomes greater instead of less.

文法句型

something tapers over time

taper something over a period

用法筆記

Common with medicine, spending, demand, rain, or activity over a period of time. Unlike verb/1, this sense describes level or intensity rather than shape.

常見錯誤

❌Sales tapered overnight after the website crashed.
✅Sales dropped overnight after the website crashed.
💡taper implies a gradual reduction, not an immediate fall.

3. to do less training in the days before a big race so your body can rest and feel

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

減量訓練

賽前刻意減少訓練量讓身體恢復

to do less training in the days before a big race so your body can rest and feel ready

例句

Mina tapers for two weeks before every marathon she runs.

Mina 每次跑馬拉松前都會先做兩週的減量訓練。

intransitive: taper before a race

The coach tapered the squad's training before the national final.

教練在全國決賽前先替隊伍做了減量訓練。

transitive: taper training before an event

同義詞
  • cut back

    A broader phrase that can be used beyond sport and does not by itself imply race preparation.

  • ease off

    More informal and often used when training becomes lighter for a short time.

反義詞
  • build up

    Used when training volume or intensity is being increased.

文法句型

someone tapers before a race

taper training before an event

用法筆記

Used in endurance sports and race preparation, often with before or for plus the event. It refers to planned reduction for recovery, not simply missing practice.

常見錯誤

❌She tapered for the history exam.
✅She eased her study schedule before the history exam.
💡this sense is used for athletic training, not general preparation.

taper — 名詞

taper — 形容詞