A1adverb high_frequency_chunk

Down

UK /["/daʊn/"]/ US /["/daʊn/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

to or at a lower place or position

Listen to definition

In simple words: A word meaning below or to lower something.

Examples

• She quickly ran down the hill.
• Please write your answers down on the paper.
• The dog lay down in the sun.
• The balloon floated down from the sky.
• I need to calm down after a long day.

Usage notes

Use 'down' to indicate direction or position. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but avoid using it in overly formal writing where more specific terms might be required.

Grammar pattern

verb + down, adverb

Memory hint

Think of a person going down stairs — they are moving from a higher place to a lower place.

Collocations

• sit down
• bring down
• down the road

Synonyms

• lower
• beneath
• downward

Antonyms

• up
• higher
• above

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'down' with 'up' when indicating direction.
• Using 'down' incorrectly with certain verbs like 'set down' instead of just 'set'.
• Using 'down' where a more specific preposition might be better, like 'beneath'.