Down

Definition

Down is used as an adverb, adjective, preposition, noun, and verb. As an adverb, it indicates movement to a lower place or position. As an adjective, it describes a lower position or a state of being lowered. As a preposition, it denotes a position or movement from a higher to a lower level. As a noun, it refers to soft, fine feathers or a low, rolling hill. As a verb, it means to bring something to a lower position or to consume something quickly.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Adjective
• Preposition
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daʊn/
• Respelling: DOUN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daʊn/
• Respelling: DOUN

Etymology

The word "down" originates from the Old English "dūne," meaning "from a higher place." It evolved from the phrase "of dūne," with "dūn" meaning "hill" or "mountain." Its various meanings expanded over time to include movement downward, low hills, and soft feathers.

Derivatives

• Downward (adverb)
• Downhill (adjective/adverb)
• Downside (noun)
• Downturn (noun)
• Downer (noun)

Synonyms

• Lower
• Beneath
• Below

Antonyms

• Up
• Above
• Rise

Usage

The term "down" is commonly used to indicate direction, as in "She looked down from the balcony." It can also describe a state of mood, such as "He felt down after the news," or as a noun to refer to feathers, as in "The pillow was filled with down."

Related Terms

• Below: At a lower position or level.
• Under: In a position beneath something else.
• Descent: A movement or journey downwards.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• In or to a lower position or place: Indicates movement towards a lower location.
  • Example: "She ran down the stairs."

Adjective

• In a lower or reduced position: Describes something that is lower or less than usual.
  • Example: "The system was temporarily down for maintenance."

Preposition

• From a higher to a lower place along a path or surface: Indicates a position along a path moving from high to low.
  • Example: "The cat climbed down the tree."

Noun

• Soft feathers from young birds: Refers to the fine, soft feathers found on birds, used in insulation and bedding.
  • Example: "The jacket was filled with goose down."
• A gentle, rolling hill or grassland area: Refers to low hills or plains, typically covered in grass.
  • Example: "They walked across the chalk downs of southern England."

Verb

• To bring to a lower position or level: Describes the act of lowering something.
  • Example: "He downed the last of his drink."