downThe word "down" indicates this direction:  In these sentences, it’s a preposition: - There’s a pharmacy down the street.
- Let’s go down the escalator.
- Don’t put that down the drain.
In these sentences, the word "down" functions as an adverb: - The little girl fell down.
- The cat jumped down from the table.
- Is this elevator going down?
- My stocks went down this week.
- We should drive down to Texas for spring break.
The word "down" is a part of many popular idioms: - Please write down the things that I say. (write down = write on paper)
- Can we run down these numbers again? (run down = go over; review)
- Stop bringing me down. (bring down = cause sadness or depression.)
- It’s not nice to put down other people. (put down = insult; say mean things)
- She can’t keep anything down right now. She’s too sick. (Her stomach is upset and she’s vomiting.)
- The patient is coming down from her medication. (come down = to gradually feel less of the numbing effects from medication or drugs.)
- I think I’m coming down with a cold. (come down with = get sick)
- Ralph needs to calm down. He gets so angry. (calm down = relax; reduce one’s anger or anxiety)
- It looks like this deal isn’t going to go down today. (go down = happen)
- Mitch and Anne tried to talk the owners down a little bit on the price of the house. (talk down = negotiate)
- Elaine really knows how to get down. (get down = dance)
- A good supervisor doesn’t talk down to his or her employees. (talk down = talk in such a way as to make someone feel inferior)
- Don’t let me down. (let down = disappoint)
You can also use "down" as an adjective. - Our computers are down. (They aren’t working.)
- Why do you look so down? (down = sad)
- Are you down for a little action? (down = ready)
Click here to go to the Word of the Day page. October 7, 2012 |