recede

Everyday

1. To move back or away; to go down from a high level: the floodwater receded. tree →
2. To become smaller, weaker or less clear: the pain receded. tree →
3. Of hair: to stop growing at the front of the head (a receding hairline). tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons, floods, tides and glaciers recede. In stories, footsteps or memories recede. In everyday life, Dad's hairline recedes. Phrases: the waters receded, receding hairline.

Examples

• The floodwater slowly receded. tree →
• The tide recedes twice a day. tree →
• The glacier has receded a long way up the valley. tree →
• His footsteps receded down the corridor. tree →
• The pain receded after the medicine. tree →
• Grandad has a receding hairline. tree →
• Our last glimpse of her shows her at the window, watching them receding into the sky until they were as small as stars. tree →

Note

Regular verb: receded. Noun: recession (also means hard times in money). Opposite: advance, rise. One c, then d: recede.