Phrasal verb
die off
Meanings
To become extinct or largely disappear because many members die, often gradually.
To gradually become less common and eventually stop being used or practiced.
Definition
To die off means to disappear because many members of a group die over time.
Die off is used when a group of living things becomes smaller because many of them die, often gradually. It can describe plants, animals, or people in a group. It can also be used for traditions or activities that slowly disappear.
Examples
- Many local bees die off after unusually cold nights.
- I watched the crowd die off as the rain got heavier.
- The old custom is starting to die off in my hometown.
- After the lights went out, the fireflies seemed to die off in the field.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse die off (a group gradually disappears) with die out (often meaning complete extinction).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.