wear away
يتآكل
Literalmente: To carry or have on the body (wear) + moving to a distance (away)
Use it to describe anything that slowly diminishes or disappears through constant use or natural forces.
Em 15 segundos
- Slowly disappearing due to friction or time.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract feelings.
- Describes a gradual process, not a sudden break.
Significado
When something slowly disappears or gets thinner because it is being used or rubbed too much over a long time.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Talking about old stairs
The stone steps have started to wear away after centuries of use.
The stone steps have started to wear away after centuries of use.
Discussing a relationship
Their trust began to wear away after many small lies.
Their trust began to wear away after many small lies.
A professional engineering report
The protective coating will wear away if not maintained annually.
The protective coating will wear away if not maintained annually.
Contexto cultural
The phrase has roots in Middle English, reflecting a long-standing human observation of erosion and decay. It is famously used in metaphors about the power of persistence, similar to the proverb 'dripping water hollows out stone.' In modern culture, it is often used in environmental discussions regarding coastal erosion.
The Passive Voice Trick
You'll often see this in the passive voice: 'The statue was worn away by the wind.' It sounds very poetic and professional.
Don't confuse with 'Wear Out'
Use 'wear out' for things that become useless (like shoes with holes). Use 'wear away' for the actual process of the surface disappearing.
Em 15 segundos
- Slowly disappearing due to friction or time.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract feelings.
- Describes a gradual process, not a sudden break.
What It Means
Imagine your favorite pair of jeans. After years of walking, the denim at the knees gets thin. Eventually, a hole appears. That is wear away. It describes a slow, steady process of destruction. It is not a sudden break. It is the result of time, friction, or nature doing its work bit by bit.
How To Use It
You can use it for physical objects like stones, tires, or clothes. You can also use it for abstract things like feelings or patience. If you use it with an object, say the water wears away the rock. If the object is the subject, say the paint is wearing away. It is a very flexible phrase for anything that gets smaller over time.
When To Use It
Use it when you see the effects of time. It is perfect for talking about old buildings or vintage items. Use it at work when a problem is slowly making you tired. It works well when describing nature, like how the sea changes the coastline. It sounds natural and descriptive in almost any conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that break suddenly. If you drop a glass, it does not wear away; it shatters. Avoid using it for things that grow or improve. It is strictly for things getting smaller or weaker. Also, do not use it for people getting old physically—that is usually wearing down or just aging.
Cultural Background
English speakers have a deep connection to the idea of 'grit' and 'time'. This phrase reflects a worldview where time is the ultimate force. It has been used in literature for centuries to describe how even the strongest empires eventually fade. It suggests that nothing is permanent, which is a common theme in Western poetry and philosophy.
Common Variations
You might hear wear down or wear out. Wear out is for when something is totally finished, like old shoes. Wear down is often about someone's spirit or resistance. Wear away is specifically about the surface or the physical substance disappearing slowly. It is the most 'visual' of the three variations.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and works in both spoken and written English. Be careful with the preposition—using 'away' emphasizes the disappearance, while 'down' emphasizes the reduction in height or strength.
The Passive Voice Trick
You'll often see this in the passive voice: 'The statue was worn away by the wind.' It sounds very poetic and professional.
Don't confuse with 'Wear Out'
Use 'wear out' for things that become useless (like shoes with holes). Use 'wear away' for the actual process of the surface disappearing.
Patience is a Virtue
In English, we often say 'don't let them wear away your spirit.' It's a common way to encourage resilience against small, annoying problems.
Exemplos
6The stone steps have started to wear away after centuries of use.
The stone steps have started to wear away after centuries of use.
Describes physical erosion of a hard surface.
Their trust began to wear away after many small lies.
Their trust began to wear away after many small lies.
Uses the phrase metaphorically for an emotion.
The protective coating will wear away if not maintained annually.
The protective coating will wear away if not maintained annually.
Formal use in a technical context.
I love these sneakers but the grip is wearing away already!
I love these sneakers but the grip is wearing away already!
Common everyday observation.
My boss's constant jokes are wearing away my will to live.
My boss's constant jokes are wearing away my will to live.
Hyperbole used for comedic effect.
The cliffs are being worn away by the heavy Atlantic waves.
The cliffs are being worn away by the heavy Atlantic waves.
Passive voice used for natural processes.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a mountain trail.
The hikers' boots caused the path to ___ over the summer.
Since the path is disappearing slowly due to walking (friction), 'wear away' is the correct choice.
Complete the sentence about a feeling.
The shock of the news began to ___ after a few hours.
Feelings that slowly diminish in intensity are often described as 'wearing away'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Wear Away'
Chatting about old clothes.
My jeans are wearing away.
Standard daily conversation.
The rain is wearing away the paint.
Scientific or technical writing.
Erosion will wear away the shoreline.
Where to use 'Wear Away'
Nature
Rivers carving canyons.
Fashion
Thinning fabric on elbows.
Emotions
Losing patience slowly.
Home Care
Old coins losing their detail.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt means something is slowly disappearing or getting thinner because it is rubbed or used a lot over time. For example, the sea wears away the rocks.
Not usually for their bodies, but you can use it for their feelings or qualities, like his confidence began to wear away.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a science report about erosion without it feeling out of place.
Wear away focuses on the surface disappearing bit by bit. Wear out means the thing is now broken or useless, like I wore out my shoes.
No, for batteries we say run down or die. Wear away is for physical or emotional erosion.
No, it can be abstract. You can say the novelty of the new job started to wear away.
The past tense is wore away and the past participle is worn away. Example: The inscription has been worn away.
Yes, they are synonyms. Erode is more scientific, while wear away is more common in everyday English.
Actually, for colors, we usually say fade. However, if the sun is physically damaging the material, wear away could work.
Usually, yes, because it involves something disappearing. But it can be neutral, like a river shaping a beautiful canyon.
Frases relacionadas
Erode
Eat away at
Wear down
Chisel away
Fritter away
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