What does tapering mean?
Tapering describes a gradual reduction in size, width, or intensity, and can also refer to the act of diminishing in this way. A road may taper as it approaches a summit, while a flame tapers when it burns lower and a sound may taper off gradually. The word is useful because it conveys a continuous, controlled change rather than an abrupt stop or sharp decrease. It is especially common in descriptive and technical writing, but is equally natural in everyday speech. The related verb “taper” is often used with “off” when describing something that gradually becomes less active, expensive, or intense.
Gradually becoming narrower, smaller, thinner, or less intense.
"The tapering beam of light crossed the room."
Commonly used to describe physical shapes, light, flames, sounds, and gradual decreases in intensity.
To diminish gradually in size, width, amount, or intensity.
"Sales began to taper during the final weeks of the quarter."
Often used with “off” for something that gradually becomes less active or intense.
A taper can describe a shape that narrows to a point, a flame that grows smaller, and even a trend that gradually fades.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tapering come from?
The word comes from Middle English taper, an older English word associated with gradually diminishing or with a tapering object. The related noun referring to a slender candle or wick developed from the same older vocabulary. In modern English, taper and its present participle tapering are used both for physical narrowing and for gradual reductions in intensity or activity.
Related word forms
How tapering is actually used
Tapering is neutral in register and is common in descriptive, technical, financial, and general contexts. When describing a physical shape, it usually implies a gradual rather than an abrupt narrowing.