What is recede? Pronunciation and usage in English

recede means . Learn how to pronounce and use recede through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of recede

recedeverb

/rɪˈsiːd//rɪˈsiːd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "recede." It's a tricky one for English speakers! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Phonetic Breakdown:

  • re-: Like the "re" in "red" - /rɪ/ (the 'i' is a short 'i' sound, like in "bit")
  • cede: This is the core of the difficulty. It sounds like "seed" but with a slightly more drawn-out 'ee' sound. It's /siːd/ (the 'ee' is a longer, more sustained sound).

2. Combining It:

Putting it together, you get: rɪ-siːd

3. Emphasis and Rhythm:

  • Emphasis: The primary emphasis is on the first syllable, "re."
  • Rhythm: The rhythm is a bit bouncing. Start with a quick "rɪ" and then a slightly longer, drawn-out "siːd." Don't just say it as two separate words.

4. Tips & Common Mispronunciations:

  • Don’t say “reed.” Many people mistakenly pronounce it like “reed.” That’s a common error!
  • Avoid a "d" sound at the end. The “d” is silent. It's more like a “t” sound in its formation, but it’s subtle and quickly merges into the “ee” sound.
  • Visualize "seed": Thinking of the word "seed" can help you get the vowel sound right.

5. Listen to Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored pronunciation guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?
  • Is there a particular aspect of the pronunciation that you find most difficult?

Usage and examples with the word recede in English

Let's break down how to use the word "recede." It's a versatile word, but it has a specific meaning!

Core Meaning:

"Recede" means to move or withdraw backward. It suggests a gradual withdrawal or retreat. It’s about moving away from something.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it with different contexts:

1. With Physical Things (Most Common Usage):

  • Water: This is the most frequent context.
    • “As the tide receded, the sandbar became visible.”
    • “After the rain, the floodwaters began to recede.”
  • Land: (Often due to erosion or sea level rise)
    • “Over centuries, the coastline has receded due to erosion.”
    • “The rising sea level is causing land to recede in coastal areas.”
  • Shadows:
    • “As the sun moved, the shadows receded across the lawn.”
  • Objects moving back:
    • “The crowd receded as the performer took a bow.”

2. With Abstract Concepts (Emotion, Memory, etc.):

  • Memories: This is where "recede" gets a little more poetic.
    • “The sharp details of the memory began to recede as time went on.” (Meaning the memory became fainter and less clear.)
    • "His anger receded with the passage of time." (Meaning he became less angry.)
  • Feelings: Similar to memories.
    • “The initial excitement of the project receded as the realities of the work set in.”
  • Influence/Power:
    • "His political influence began to recede after the scandal." (Meaning his power decreased.)

3. Verb Forms:

  • Recede (present tense): “The water is receding.”
  • Receded (past tense): “The tide receded last night.”
  • Receding (present participle/gerund): “The coastline is receding.” (Used with “was” or “were” - “The coastline was receding.”)
  • Will recede: “The darkness will recede with the dawn.”

Key Phrases & Useful Examples:

  • “To recede from view”: To disappear or become less visible. “The buildings receded from view as we drove further inland.”
  • “To recede into the distance”: Suggests something becoming smaller and less defined as it moves away. “The mountains receded into the distance.”
  • “Recede into silence”: To withdraw or become quiet. “After a heated argument, she receded into silence.”

Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Withdraw
  • Retreat
  • Withdraw
  • Draw back
  • Relinquish

Tips for Using "Recede" Effectively:

  • Focus on the movement backwards. The core of the word is about going back.
  • Consider the context. Is it about a physical space, an emotion, or something else?
  • Use descriptive language. "Receded slowly" or "began to recede" adds impact.

To help me tailor the information even more to you, could you tell me:

  • Are there a specific context you're wondering about (e.g., writing a story, describing a landscape, talking about emotions)?

Synonyms for the word recede

Idioms of the word recede

flip burgers
(especially North American English, informal, usually disapproving)to work as a chef in a fast-food restaurant, especially when this is considered to be a low-status job for people who lack the ambition or ability to do anything better
  • He is now flipping burgers and serving drinks to make ends meet.

Practice with vocabulary recede

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the intense rainfall, the floodwaters began to quickly ______ from the affected areas.
  2. The initial excitement for the project started to ______ as the team encountered more obstacles.
  3. Despite the team's best efforts, the budget surplus continued to ______ due to unexpected expenses.
  4. The new policy aims to ______ barriers to international trade, fostering global economic growth.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions can describe the behavior of ocean tides after reaching their peak? a) advance b) recede c) surge d) withdraw

  2. When a pressing concern or fear gradually becomes less prominent in one's mind, it tends to: a) intensify b) persist c) recede d) resurface

  3. After the successful launch of the new product, the initial market apprehension began to _______. a) grow b) diminish c) recede d) strengthen

  4. To achieve clarity in a complex negotiation, participants must ______ from personal biases and focus on common ground. a) retreat b) advance c) proceed d) intrude

  5. Which word best describes a situation where an illness's symptoms gradually lessen in severity? a) exacerbate b) flare up c) subside d) deteriorate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The strong emotions surrounding the controversial decision slowly became less intense over time. Rewrite using "recede" or a related form:

  2. Original: As the glacier melted, its edges moved further back up the valley. Rewrite using "recede" or a related form:

  3. Original: The committee made a decision to put off the final vote until all members had reviewed the proposal thoroughly. Rewrite without using "recede" or a related form, using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. recede
  2. recede
  3. dwindle
  4. remove

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) recede, d) withdraw
  2. c) recede
  3. b) diminish, c) recede
  4. a) retreat
  5. c) subside

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The strong emotions surrounding the controversial decision began to recede over time.
  2. As the glacier melted, its edges began to recede up the valley.
  3. The committee made a decision to postpone the final vote until all members had reviewed the proposal thoroughly.

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