1 B2 idiomatic neutral
to become gradually quieter or less strong until it disappears
"Her voice trailed away as she looked out of the window."
inseparable
trail away
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
to become gradually weaker, quieter, or less clear until it disappears
In plain English
slowly become less strong or less clear and then stop
What does "trail away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to extend behind in a long, thinning line or series
"A ribbon of dust trailed away behind the truck."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to go away in a trailing, thinning line
Actually means
slowly become less strong or less clear and then stop
Usage tip
Often used for sounds, voices, lines of smoke, and figurative attention or conversation.
Words that pair with "trail away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
voice sound smoke conversation line music
How to conjugate "trail away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trail away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trails away
he/she/it
Past simple
trailed away
yesterday
Past participle
trailed away
have + pp
-ing form
trailing away
continuous
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