How Do You Spell TAILING OFF?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪlɪŋ ˈɒf] (IPA)

Tailing off, pronounced as /ˈteɪ.lɪŋ ɒf/, is a phrasal verb that means to gradually decrease in size, intensity or importance. The verb tail is spelled as t-a-i-l, while off is spelled as o-f, which is emphasized in the word's phonetic transcription. The "ai" in tail represents a long "e" sound, and the "ing" ending is pronounced with a hard "g" sound. Together, the word is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and a short "o" sound in "off."

TAILING OFF Meaning and Definition

1. "Tailing off" is a phrasal verb referring to a gradual decrease or decline in the intensity, quality, or frequency of something over a period of time. It implies a gradual drop or diminishment leading towards a reduced or lesser state.

   In its literal sense, "tailing off" is often used to describe the dwindling or diminishing of a physical object or movement. For example, it can be used to depict the gradual reduction in the length or thickness of a physical tail. However, this phrase is more commonly used in a figurative sense to describe the fading or weakening of various aspects or circumstances, such as an individual's performance, productivity, or interest in a specific task or activity.

   When used in relation to a person's performance or work, "tailing off" indicates that their efficiency, effectiveness, or output is gradually declining, typically resulting in lower quality results. Similarly, when applied to a specific event or occasion, it suggests that the interest or enthusiasm associated with it is waning or diminishing over time.

   Overall, "tailing off" refers to a gradual reduction, decline, or weakening of something, either physically or metaphorically, that manifests over a period of time. It captures a sense of gradual fading or diminishing, implying a shift towards a lower or lesser state.

Common Misspellings for TAILING OFF

• taling-off
• railing off
• failing off
• gailing off
• yailing off
• 6ailing off
• 5ailing off
• tziling off
• tsiling off
• twiling off
• tqiling off
• tauling off
• tajling off
• taoling off
• ta9ling off
• ta8ling off
• taiping off
• taioing off
• tailung off
• tailjng off

Etymology of TAILING OFF

The phrase "tailing off" is derived from the verb "tail". The word "tail" originated from the Old English word "tæġele", which referred to the rear part of an animal. Over time, "tail" came to be associated with the end or extremity of something.

The addition of the term "off" intensifies the meaning of "tail". In this context, "off" signifies a reduction or decrease in the tail part of something. For instance, when used to describe a decline in volume or intensity, "tailing off" refers to a gradual decrease or fading away of a sound, conversation, or activity.