Words / C1

i-ROHZHN/ɪˈrəʊʒn/

Erosion is the gradual wearing away of rock or soil by weather or water; also the gradual weakening of a right or standard: coastal erosion, erosion of trust. Erode (already in the dictionary) is the verb; wear is everyday; a sudden cut is not erosion. Friendly briefings still leak.

Meaning

The gradual wearing away of soil or rock; also the gradual weakening of a right or standard.

Examples

• “Erosion of the embargo by “friendly” briefings is still a leak.”
• “Erode is already in this course. Wear is everyday. Abrasion is mechanical. Friendly is a manner. A hold until midnight is a rule. Stop the briefings; keep friendly for the door, after the hour.”

Good to know

Gradual wearing away (land or standards). Verb: erode (already in the dictionary). Contrast: a sudden cut. Friendly briefings can still be leaks.

Near in meaning

wear

New