Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [breyk doun]
- /breɪk daʊn/
- /breɪk daʊn/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [breyk doun]
- /breɪk daʊn/
Definitions of break down words
- phrasal verb break down If a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working. 3
- phrasal verb break down If a discussion, relationship, or system breaks down, it fails because of a problem or disagreement. 3
- phrasal verb break down To break down something such as an idea or statement means to separate it into smaller parts in order to make it easier to understand or deal with. 3
- phrasal verb break down When a substance breaks down or when something breaks it down, a biological or chemical process causes it to separate into the substances which make it up. 3
- phrasal verb break down If someone breaks down, they lose control of themselves and start crying. 3
- phrasal verb break down If you break down a door or barrier, you hit it so hard that it falls to the ground. 3
Information block about the term
Origin of break down
First appearance:
before 900 One of the 4% oldest English words
before 900; Middle English breken, Old English brecan; cognate with Dutch breken, German brechen, Gothic brikan; akin to Latin frangere; see fragile
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Break down
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
break down popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 97% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
break down usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for break down
verb break down
- resolve — to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full.
- formulate — to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically: He finds it extremely difficult to formulate his new theory.
- clear up — When you clear up or clear a place up, you tidy things and put them away.
- spell out — to name, write, or otherwise give the letters, in order, of (a word, syllable, etc.): Did I spell your name right?
- simplify — to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.
Antonyms for break down
verb break down
- complicate — To complicate something means to make it more difficult to understand or deal with.
- mix up — an act or instance of mixing.
- obscure — (of meaning) not clear or plain; ambiguous, vague, or uncertain: an obscure sentence in the contract.
- muddle — to mix up in a confused or bungling manner; jumble.
- dirty — soiled with dirt; foul; unclean: dirty laundry.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with b
- Words starting with br
- Words starting with bre
- Words starting with brea
- Words starting with break
- Words starting with breakd
- Words starting with breakdo
- Words starting with breakdow
- Words starting with breakdown