Meaning
- Wither means to dry up, shrivel, or lose freshness, usually because of lack of water or nourishment.
- It can also mean to lose strength, vitality, or confidence, both literally and metaphorically.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb
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Forms: wither – withered – withering
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Transitive/Intransitive:
- Intransitive: "The flowers withered in the heat."
- Transitive: "The sun withered the crops."
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Figurative use: to weaken or destroy confidence, courage, or power.
Variations
- wither away: to gradually disappear or diminish.
- wither on the vine: to fail to develop or succeed, often due to neglect.
Common Phrases
- wither away
- wither on the vine
- wither under criticism
Collocations
- wither + flowers
- crops + wither
- wither + away
- wither + confidence
- wither + under pressure
Examples
- The leaves withered after weeks without rain.
- Her smile withered when she heard the bad news.
- The once-thriving business withered away due to poor management.
- The young plant began to wither in the scorching sun.
- His confidence withered under constant criticism.
- Dreams often wither on the vine without proper support.
- The roses withered quickly after being cut.
- His enthusiasm withered as the project dragged on.
Synonyms or Related
- shrivel
- fade
- wilt
- decline
- decay
Antonym
- flourish
- thrive
- bloom
- prosper