recede
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to move back or away from a previous position; to diminish, decline, or become more distant.
It can refer to physical withdrawal (like water, a hairline), visual perspective (like a road), or metaphorical diminishment (like a threat, memory, or sound).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an intransitive verb. Often implies a gradual, continuous, or permanent process of withdrawal or decline. Can be used literally or figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major usage differences; spelling and pronunciation follow regional standards.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, formal, or descriptive contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + recedeSUBJ + recede + from + PLACESUBJ + recede + into + ABSTRACT NOUN (e.g., memory, background)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a receding hairline”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'Market fears began to recede after the central bank's announcement.'
Academic
'As the glacier receded, it left distinct moraine deposits.'
Everyday
'The floodwater finally started to recede this morning.'
Technical
'The pain should recede within an hour of taking the medication.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tide will recede by late afternoon.
- His hair has been receding since his thirties.
- As we drove, the town receded into the distance.
American English
- The floodwaters are finally starting to recede.
- The sound of the train receded as it moved west.
- Prospects for a deal receded after the meeting.
adjective
British English
- He has a noticeably receding hairline.
- The painting skillfully shows the receding shoreline.
American English
- He was self-conscious about his receding hair.
- The receding prospect of success was demoralizing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water began to recede after the storm.
- His hair is starting to recede at the temples.
- Memories of that day slowly receded over the years.
- As the economic threat receded, investor confidence returned.
- The coastline receded into a bluish haze as the ship sailed on.
- Any hope of a diplomatic solution has now receded into the distance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RECEDE as REverse proCEED. You proceed forward, but you recede backward.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/PRESENCE IS PROXIMITY (e.g., 'The issue receded from public consciousness' = it became less close/important).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'receive' (получать). The Russian verb 'отступать' is a close match for physical movement, but for memories fading, 'стираться' or 'забываться' is better.
Common Mistakes
- Using it transitively (incorrect: 'He receded the car.'). Confusing spelling with 'precede' or 'secede'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'recede' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively intransitive. The subject itself moves back or diminishes (e.g., The water recedes). You cannot 'recede' something else.
'Retreat' often implies a deliberate, strategic withdrawal (especially by people or armies). 'Recede' is more passive and gradual, describing natural processes (water, hairline, memory) or things moving visually into the distance.
Yes, figuratively. 'The noise of the city receded as we entered the forest' means it faded into the background or became quieter/more distant.
Yes, 'receding hairline' or 'receding hair' is a very frequent everyday collocation, referring to male pattern baldness that starts at the temples.