What does subside mean?
Word: Subside
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Subside means to become calmer, quieter or less strong.
Synonyms: lessen
How do you spell subside?
Syllables: sub - side
Tricky part: The s sound after sub is the trap. Pupils think of decide and write a c, as in subcide.
Watch out for: subcide, subsyde
Memory tip: After a storm subsides, the water lies still. Let the s of still remind you which letter follows sub.
Subside in a sentence
Example 1: The wind began to subside as the sun went down.
Example 2: The cheering did not subside until the captain raised her hand.
Example 3: Wait for the waves to subside before you take the boat out.
Fun Fact
It comes from a Latin verb meaning to sink or settle down. That old sense survives, because the word is also used for land or a building that slowly sinks lower.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
subbside
a) s
b) d
c) b
d) u
Show answer
c) b. The opening part needs only one of this letter.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word:
subside
a) recede
b) diminish
c) intensify
d) dwindle
Show answer
c) intensify. A storm that grows stronger does the reverse of one that dies away.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
sbdiuse
a) subscribe
b) subside
c) sublime
d) subsidy
Show answer
b) subside. Subsidy is the close one, but the jumble has an e and no y.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) abolish
b) subside
c) surpress
d) persevere
Show answer
c) surpress. Suppress has a double p and no r in its opening part.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The river near Asha's village has begun to subside. What will she notice?
a) new streams crossing the road
b) boats rising towards the bridge
c) water creeping up the steps
d) more of the bank showing again
Show answer
d) more of the bank showing again
2. Anger is starting to subside when you see ____.
a) a frown slowly softening
b) a voice rising sharply
c) a glare growing fiercer
d) a foot tapping faster
Show answer
a) a frown slowly softening
