down

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position

   don't fall down

2. 2
   adv

   away from a more central or a more northerly place

   was sent down to work at the regional office

3. 3
   adv

   paid in cash at time of purchase

   put ten dollars down on the necklace

4. 4
   adv

   in an inactive or inoperative state

   the factory went down during the strike

5. 5
   adv

   to a lower intensity

   The stagehand slowly phased down the light until the stage was completely black.

6. 6
   adv

   from an earlier time

   the story was passed down from father to son

7. 7
   adj

   not functioning (temporarily or permanently)

   we can't work because the computer is down

8. 8
   adj

   shut

   the shades were down

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *dūnaz? Proto-Celtic *dūnomder.? Proto-West Germanic *dūnā Old English dūn Middle English doune English down From Middle English doune, from Old English dūn, from Proto-West Germanic *dūn (“sandhill, dune”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Proto-Germanic *dūnaz, *dūnǭ (“pile, heap”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰewh₂- (“smoke, haze, dust”). Alternatively, perhaps borrowed from Proto-Celtic *dūnom (“hill; hillfort”) (compare Welsh din (“city, fort, stronghold”), Irish dún (“hill, fort”)), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰewh₂- (“to finish, come full circle”). Cognate w…