Basic Details
Word: Ebb
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To gradually decrease or recede, especially referring to the tide moving away from the shore.
Synonyms: Diminish, recede, decline
Antonyms: Flow, rise, increase
Idioms and Phrases
- On the ebb: Used to describe something that is declining or weakening. Example: "His enthusiasm for the project was on the ebb after the last meeting."
- Ride the ebb: To take advantage of a decline or reduction. Example: "She decided to ride the ebb of her workload and complete her reports early."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The tide began to ebb as the sun set, leaving behind sparkling wet sand on the beach.
Example 2: After months of hard work, his motivation started to ebb, and he realised he needed a break.
Example 3: The popularity of the band began to ebb after their last album did not sell as well as expected.
Fun Fact
The word "ebb" comes from the Old English word "ebbian," which means "to flow away." It has been used in English since the early 14th century to describe the movement of waves and tides.
Famous Quote
"The tide ebbs and flows, but we must not allow our hopes to ebb away." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "ebb" mean?
a) To flow strongly
b) To gradually decrease
c) To grow larger
d) To rise suddenly
Answer: b) To gradually decrease
2. Which of these is a synonym of "ebb"?
a) Increase
b) Diminish
c) Expand
d) Flourish
Answer: b) Diminish
3. Which sentence uses "ebb" correctly?
a) The water began to ebb as the tide came in.
b) The plant started to ebb after being watered too much.
c) The excitement in the room began to ebb as the clock ticked.
d) The star ebbed brightly in the night sky.
Answer: c) The excitement in the room began to ebb as the clock ticked.
4. Which idiom means something is declining?
a) On the ebb
b) Rise and shine
c) Head in the clouds
d) Kick the bucket
Answer: a) On the ebb
5. What is the opposite of "ebb"?
a) Flow
b) Diminish
c) Decline
d) Fade
Answer: a) Flow
