wither
WITH-er
/ˈwɪðər/
(Of a plant) become dry and shriveled; (of a person or feeling) become shrunken or wrinkled from age or lack of vitality.
Implies a loss of moisture, life, or energy. Often used for flowers, looks, or hopes.
The story behind the word. Originally a variant of 'weather,' it meant to be exposed to the elements. By the 1500s, it specifically meant the drying effect that 'weathering' has on plants and skin.
Word relationships
- shrivel: 'Shrivel' focuses on the physical wrinkling; 'wither' includes the loss of life/vitality.
- fade: 'Fade' is about color or intensity; 'wither' is about substance.
- bloom: To produce flowers; be in or come into flower.
- thrive: To grow or develop well or vigorously.
Commonly confused with
- weather: 'Weather' (as a verb) means to wear away or to survive; 'wither' means to dry up.
Word family
- withered (adjective): Shriveled or shrunken.
Collocations
- wither away
- withering look
- wither on the vine
Idioms & expressions
- wither on the vine
Example sentences
- "The crops began to wither under the relentless heat of the summer sun." Describing a garden in a drought.
- "She gave him a withering look that made him instantly regret his comment." Metaphorical use for a look.
Memory hook
When the 'Weather' is too hot, the plants 'Wither.' Wither = Weather-beaten and dry.
When not to use
Don't use it for inorganic things like rocks or metal; use it for things that were once 'alive' or 'fresh.'
Fun facts
- The idiom 'wither on the vine' refers to a plan or project that is ignored until it simply dies of neglect.
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