down

Part of Speech

Adverb, Preposition, Noun, Verb, Adjective

Pronunciation

/daʊn/

Definitions

1. (Adverb) Toward or in a lower place or position.
2. (Preposition) From a higher to a lower point.
3. (Noun) Fine, soft feathers from birds or soft hair on certain plants.
4. (Verb) Knock or bring to the ground.
5. (Adjective) Depressed or unhappy.

Usage Examples

• He walked down the stairs.
• The rain came down heavily.
• The jacket is filled with down.
• The boxer downed his opponent in the third round.
• She felt down after hearing the news.

Etymology

Derived from Old English *dūne*, meaning "downward," from the phrase *of dūne* ("off the hill"). The noun form originates from Old Norse *dúnn*, meaning "soft feathers."

Synonyms

• (Adverb) Below, Lower
• (Noun) Plumage, Feathers
• (Verb) Defeat, Overthrow
• (Adjective) Sad, Melancholy

Antonyms

• (Adverb) Up, Above
• (Adjective) Happy, Elated
• (Verb) Uplift, Raise

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /daʊn/
• American English: /daʊn/

Historical Usage

The word has been used since Old English to denote motion or position, and later adopted as a term for soft feathers in the 14th century.

Cultural Nuances

In English idioms, "down" frequently conveys emotional or physical states, such as "feeling down" or "down and out."

More Information

Down feathers are highly valued for their insulation properties, especially in winter garments and bedding. The directional sense of the word plays a key role in navigation and movement descriptions.