Meaning & Definition of word "Down"

Down

/daʊn/

noun:

  • 1. A downward position or movement.
    • Example: The roller coaster took a sudden down.
  • 2. Soft feathers, especially those from ducks or geese.
    • Example: The pillow was stuffed with down for extra comfort.

adjective:

  • 1. Not functioning or out of action; inoperative.
    • Example: The server is down for maintenance.
  • 2. Feeling sad or depressed.
    • Example: He has been feeling down since he lost his job.

adverb:

  • 1. To or toward a lower place or position.
    • Example: She sat down on the chair.
  • 2. To a weaker or worse condition.
    • Example: The company's profits went down this quarter.
  • 3. To a lower level in a hierarchical or spatial sense.
    • Example: He moved down the list to find her name.

preposition:

  • 1. In the direction of, or to, a lower place.
    • Example: He walked down the street to the park.
  • 2. Indicating movement from a higher to a lower position.
    • Example: 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.

Related Words

downward:

Moving toward a lower position.

downcast:

Feeling sad or dejected.

downside:

A negative aspect or disadvantage.

Slang Meanings of down

Meaning: Agreeable or supportive.

Example Sentence: I'm totally down for that party!

Meaning: Difficult or negative situation.

Example Sentence: Things have been pretty down for him lately.