recede

¹

[ ri-seed ]

verb (used without object)

, re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to go or move away; retreat; go to or toward a more distant point; withdraw.
2. to become more distant.
3. (of a color, form, etc., on a flat surface) to move away or be perceived as moving away from an observer, especially as giving the illusion of space. Compare advance ( def 15 ).
4. to slope backward:

   a chin that recedes.

5. to draw back or withdraw from a conclusion, viewpoint, undertaking, promise, etc.

   Synonyms: retreat, retire

recede

²

[ ree-seed ]

verb (used with object)

, re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to cede back; yield or grant to a former possessor.

recede

/ rɪˈsiːd /

verb

1. to withdraw from a point or limit; go back

   the tide receded

2. to become more distant

   hopes of rescue receded

3. to slope backwards

   apes have receding foreheads

4. 1. (of a man's hair) to cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead
   2. (of a man) to start to go bald in this way
5. to decline in value or character
6. usually foll by from to draw back or retreat, as from a promise

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin recēdere “to go back, fall back”; equivalent to re- + cede

Origin of recede²

First recorded in 1765–75; re- + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

C15: from Latin recēdere to go back, from re- + cēdere to yield, cede

Related Words

• abate
• decrease
• diminish
• dwindle
• ebb
• fade
• fall back
• lessen
• reduce
• retreat
• shrink
• sink
• subside
• taper
• wane