Meaning & Definition
noun
A downward position or movement.
The roller coaster took a sudden down.
Soft feathers, especially those from ducks or geese.
The pillow was stuffed with down for extra comfort.
adjective
Not functioning or out of action; inoperative.
The server is down for maintenance.
Feeling sad or depressed.
He has been feeling down since he lost his job.
adverb
To or toward a lower place or position.
She sat down on the chair.
To a weaker or worse condition.
The company's profits went down this quarter.
To a lower level in a hierarchical or spatial sense.
He moved down the list to find her name.
preposition
In the direction of, or to, a lower place.
He walked down the street to the park.
Indicating movement from a higher to a lower position.
She climbed down the ladder carefully.
Etymology
Old English 'dūne', meaning 'hill', suggesting movement from high to low.
Common Phrases and Expressions
down and out:
In a state of poverty or misfortune.
down to earth:
Practical and realistic.
down the line:
In the future; eventually.
down in the dumps:
Feeling sad or depressed.
Slang Meanings
Agreeable or supportive.
I'm totally down for that party!
Difficult or negative situation.
Things have been pretty down for him lately.