Peter Out

Pronunciation: /ˈpiː.tər aʊt/

Definitions of peter out

verb to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less active before coming to an end

Example Sentences

A1 The rain started to peter out as we reached the end of our hike.

A2 The conversation petered out as everyone ran out of things to say.

B1 The party slowly petered out as guests began to leave one by one.

B2 The company's profits began to peter out after several years of steady growth.

C1 The initial excitement of the project petered out as challenges arose.

C2 The enthusiasm for the new product eventually petered out as competitors entered the market.

Examples of peter out in a Sentence

formal The project began with great enthusiasm but eventually petered out due to lack of funding.

informal I was really into that TV show, but it started to peter out in the last few seasons.

slang The party was going strong but then it just petered out and everyone went home.

figurative His interest in the new hobby seemed to peter out as quickly as it began.

Grammatical Forms of peter out

• past tense: petered out
• plural: peter out
• comparative: more petered out
• superlative: most petered out
• present tense: peters out
• future tense: will peter out
• perfect tense: has petered out
• continuous tense: is petering out
• singular: peters out
• positive degree: peter out
• infinitive: to peter out
• gerund: petering out
• participle: petered out

Origin and Evolution of peter out

First Known Use: 1846 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'peter out' is believed to have originated in the mining industry, specifically in reference to the dwindling or tapering off of a vein of ore.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'peter out' has come to be used more broadly to describe the gradual decrease or cessation of any activity or situation, not just limited to mining contexts.