Withering Meaning and Definition
Withering
Pronunciation
/wɪˈθɛrɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of plant decay, characterized by the drying out and writhing of leaves and stems, often caused by a lack of water or other adverse environmental conditions.
Examples
- The once-vibrant flowers had begun to wither in the heat.
- Sadly, the withering of the plant was irreversible.
Synonyms
- Wilt
- Fade
- Languish
Antonyms
- Bloom
- Flourish
- Thrive
Etymology
The word “Withering” comes from the Old English words “witheran” meaning “to dry up” and “witherian” meaning “to decay”.
Usage Notes
The word “Withering” is often used in botanical and horticultural contexts to describe the process of plant decay, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe the decay of something abstract, such as a relationship or an idea.
Cultural References
In literature, withering is a common theme in works such as Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, where it is used to symbolize the decay of love and life.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Withering away” means to decay or become weak due to lack of effort or support.
- “Withered to the bone” is an idiomatic phrase meaning extremely thin or weak due to anorexia or some other disease.
Related Words or Phrases
- Senescence
- Deterioration
- Desiccation
Collocations
- withering leaves
- withered flowers
- withered away
Frequency of Use
The word “Withering” is not as commonly used as other words in popular language, but it can be found in technical, scientific, and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Wethering
- Witering