Phrasal verb
die out
Meanings
To gradually disappear or stop existing completely.
To gradually stop happening or become quiet until it ends.
Definition
To die out means to gradually disappear or stop existing completely.
When something dies out, it becomes less common over time until it is gone. This can describe traditions, languages, habits, or groups of living things. It often suggests a slow process rather than a sudden ending.
Examples
- Some local traditions die out when younger people move away.
- The applause began to die out as the speaker returned to the microphone.
- This dialect is dying out in my hometown.
- After a few weeks, their excitement about the new game died out.
- His interest in the hobby died out once he got busier at work.
Common mistake
Learners often use "die out" for a single sudden event, but it usually describes something fading away gradually.
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.