ab|flachen
Translation
to flatten, to level off, to become less steep, to die down
Examples
Der Hügel flacht hier ab.
The hill flattens out here.
Die Diskussion flachte schnell ab.
The discussion quickly died down.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) flacht ab sth. flattens out, sth. dies down The discussion quickly died down.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abnehmen (to decrease), sich verringern (to diminish); Antonyms: ansteigen (to rise), zunehmen (to increase)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (down, off) and the adjective 'flach' (flat). It literally means 'to flatten down' or 'to become flat'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a curve on a graph that goes 'down' ('ab-') and becomes 'flat' ('flach'). This can apply to a physical slope or a figurative trend, like a conversation losing steam.