Here's how it helps us understand the meaning:
* "Sub" is a prefix meaning "under" or "below".
* "Sedere" means "to sit".
Therefore, "subside" literally means "to sit down" or "to settle down".
This understanding helps us see how "subside" applies to various situations:
* Waves subside: The waves "settle down" and become calmer.
* The swelling subsided: The inflammation "settled down" and reduced in size.
* The storm subsided: The storm "settled down" and became less intense.
In all these cases, the concept of something "sitting down" or "settling down" is key to understanding the meaning of "subside".