Pronunciation: [fˈɔːlɪŋ ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "falling away" is spelled as /ˈfɔː.lɪŋ/ + /əˈweɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "faw-ling," with a long "o" sound followed by the "l" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "uh-way," with the "uh" being a schwa sound and the "ay" being a long "a" sound. This phrase can be used to describe someone or something that is losing interest or becoming less involved in a particular activity or belief.
Falling away, as a term, refers to the act of departing or straying from a particular ideology, belief system, faith, or moral standard previously held by an individual or a group. It is often used to describe a gradual or sudden loss of loyalty, devotion, or adherence to a set of principles or convictions. Falling away implies a weakening or abandonment of one's commitment to previously deeply-held values, resulting in a significant change in behavior or perspective.
In religious contexts, falling away typically refers to renouncing or rejecting one's faith, whether it be a complete disavowal of a religion or a deviation from its tenets. It can be a personal choice marked by skepticism, doubt, or disillusionment, or it can occur due to external pressures, cultural influences, or intellectual disagreements. Falling away may lead to a sense of disconnection, guilt, or confusion, both for the individual experiencing it and for their religious community.
Outside religious realms, falling away can be used to describe any abandonment or declining of a previously embraced ideology, political stance, or moral code. It can denote a loss of enthusiasm, conviction, or support for a cause, movement, or group. Falling away can occur due to changing attitudes, personal growth, conflicting viewpoints, or disillusionment with the perceived actions or outcomes associated with the position being deserted.
The term "falling away" implies a process of deviation or detachment from previously established beliefs or values, highlighting the transformative nature of the shift and the potential repercussions for the individual or community involved.
The phrase "falling away" is derived from the verb "fall" and the noun "away", both of which can be traced back to Old English.
The word "fall" comes from the Old English word "feallan" which meant "to drop from a height" or "to come down forcibly". It is related to the Old Norse word "falla" and the German word "fallen". Originally, it referred more broadly to any kind of movement downward, but over time, it acquired the specific connotation of descending due to loss of support or becoming lower in position.
The word "away" can be traced back to the Old English word "aweg", which combined "a-" (meaning "from") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "road"). It suggested movement or distance from a particular place or condition.
