Tapers

To taper is to gradually decrease in width or thickness; to become narrower toward one end. This can apply to physical objects, such as a candle or a conical shape, or to abstract concepts, such as a feeling or a process. It can also refer to a gradual reduction in intensity or amount. The act of tapering implies a controlled and planned decrease, not an abrupt stop or widening. The word often suggests elegance, refinement, or a deliberate design. The degree of tapering can vary, from a barely noticeable subtle shift to a dramatic and pronounced narrowing.

Tapers meaning with examples

• As the sculptor worked on the obelisk, the marble structure began to taper gracefully towards its apex. This gradual reduction in width gave the monument a sense of lightness and balance. The final, delicate point of the obelisk was a testament to the artist's skillful precision. The slender form, designed to taper into nothingness, commanded attention, a beacon of beauty.
• The lawyer explained to the jury how the circumstantial evidence seemed to taper away as they approached the core of the case. Each piece of information, on its own, seemed to have less significance, creating doubt in the minds of the jury. There were very few facts to back up the prosecution's initial argument, so the case started to fall apart. The evidence seemed to thin out.
• The architect designed the building's facade to taper upwards, creating the illusion of greater height and drawing the eye skyward. The building was designed to taper out at the top. This visual trick added to the overall sense of grandeur. It was an intentional choice to create a dramatic effect. This design choice allowed for many stories without taking up excessive space.
• The music in the movie score started to taper off as the hero neared the end of the dark path to the hidden treasure. The tempo slowed and the instrumentation became less dense, enhancing the feeling of suspense. The music became quiet as he neared his destination. The taper accentuated the character's sense of peril and anticipation.