adjective
tapered
TAY-perd
Tapered (adjective) means becoming gradually narrower towards one end. Example: “The trousers are tapered from the knee down.”
adjective
1
Becoming gradually narrower towards one end.
"The trousers are tapered from the knee down."
"A tapered candle burns more evenly than a straight one."
verb
1
Past tense of taper: to reduce something gradually rather than stopping it at once.
"The clinic tapered his dose over eight weeks."
"Rainfall tapered off after midnight."
How to use tapered
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting narrower or smaller bit by bit.
Memory tip
The physical sense is about shape; the verb sense is about quantity over time.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
tapered trousers
tapered fit
tapered off
tapered edge
tapered haircut
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The trousers are _____ from the knee down.
Etymology
From taper, originally a slender wax candle, from Old English tapor, probably from Latin papyrus, whose pith was used for wicks; the narrow candle shape gave the word its meaning of gradual narrowing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
straight-cut
flared
Related words
Rhymes for tapered
See all rhymes for tapered →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tapered and slim-fit trousers?
Slim-fit trousers are cut narrow all the way down the leg. Tapered trousers keep more room through the hip and thigh and only narrow below the knee, which is why they suit fuller legs better.
What does 'tapered off' mean?
It means something decreased steadily until it stopped or nearly stopped. It is used for rain, noise, sales, crowds and medication, and always implies a gradual fade rather than an abrupt end.
What is the meaning of tapered?
"tapered" (adjective) means becoming gradually narrower towards one end.
What is another word for tapered?
Other words for "tapered" include narrowing, conical, fitted, slim-fit, tapering, reduced.
