trail-off
|trail-off|
🇺🇸
/treɪl ɔf/
🇬🇧
/treɪl ɒf/
(trail off)
gradually fade away
Etymology
'trail off' is a modern English phrasal combination of the verb 'trail' + the particle 'off', used to express gradual diminution.
'trail' comes from Middle English 'traillen' / 'traillen' (to trail, drag), from Old French 'trailer', ultimately from Latin 'trahere' meaning 'to pull' ; 'off' is from Old English 'of'/'off' meaning 'away' or 'away from'. The phrasal use 'trail off' developed in modern English to mean 'fade away'.
Originally 'trail' conveyed the sense of dragging or following; combined with 'off' it developed the specialized meaning of 'gradually diminish' (especially of sound or speech).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gradual decrease or diminution in sound, intensity, or activity; an instance of trailing off.
There was a noticeable trail-off in the applause after the first two speeches.
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Antonyms
Verb 1
to become gradually quieter or less distinct; to fade away (often of a voice, sound, or activity).
Her voice began to trail-off at the end of the sentence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 16:43