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verb

recede

rih-SEED

Recede (verb) means to move gradually back or away from a previous position. Example: “The floodwaters began to recede after two days.”

verb
1
To move gradually back or away from a previous position.
"The floodwaters began to recede after two days."
"His hairline started receding in his late twenties."

How to use recede

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGradually moving back, shrinking away, or fading.

Common pairings
receding hairline the tide recedes fear receded

Word forms

receded past tense, recedes singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The floodwaters began to _____ after two days.

Etymology

From Middle French receder and Latin recedere ("to withdraw"), from re- plus cedere ("to go").

Origin: Latin

lose retreat withdraw retire drop off pull away draw back pull back move back fall back fall behind

Related words

Rhymes for recede

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Frequently asked questions

What does “recede” mean?

The word “recede” means to move gradually back or away from a previous position. In plain terms, gradually moving back, shrinking away, or fading.

How do you pronounce “recede”?

“Recede” is pronounced rih-SEED (/ɹɪˈsiːd/ in IPA).

How do you use “recede” in a sentence?

Here is “recede” used in a sentence: “The floodwaters began to recede after two days.”

What part of speech is “recede”?

“Recede” is a verb.

Where does the word “recede” come from?

The word “recede” comes from Latin. From Middle French receder and Latin recedere ("to withdraw"), from re- plus cedere ("to go").

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