Downs
/daʊnz/
Definitions
4 meaningsA tract of open, rolling, usually grassy land, especially on chalk or limestone, often used for grazing.
/daʊnz/
A tract of open rolling grassland, especially on chalk or limestone.
The hikers enjoyed the view from the downs.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, open field with hills that are covered in grass, perfect for sheep to eat. That's a 'down'!
👶 For kids: A 'down' is like a big grassy hill where animals like to eat grass.
More Examples
The downs were covered in wildflowers during the spring.
How It's Used
"The sheep grazed peacefully on the South Downs."
Periods of low spirits, sadness, or illness; times of decline.
/daʊnz/
A period of bad mood or illness
The market is showing downs.
💡 Simply: When you're feeling sad, sick, or like things aren't going well, you're experiencing 'downs'.
👶 For kids: When you feel sad or not very well, you are having the 'downs'.
More Examples
She is suffering from the downs of depression.
How It's Used
"She's been experiencing the downs since her loss."
"He suffered from severe downs during his recovery."
An area of relatively shallow water in the sea, often a sandbank.
/daʊnz/
A sandbank or area of shallow water in the sea.
The fleet anchored in the Downs.
💡 Simply: Imagine a part of the sea where the water isn't too deep, perfect for ships to stop. It's called the Downs!
👶 For kids: A 'down' can be a shallow spot in the ocean where boats can stop.
More Examples
The Downs provided a sheltered anchorage for the ships.
How It's Used
"The ships anchored in the Downs to await better weather."
To consume (a drink or food) rapidly.
/daʊnz/
To swallow (something) quickly.
He downs a beer after work.
💡 Simply: When you 'down' something, you drink or eat it super quickly!
👶 For kids: To 'down' something means to drink or eat it really fast!
More Examples
She downed the medicine in one gulp.
How It's Used
"He downs a shot of whiskey every time he feels stressed."
Idioms & expressions
down in the dumps
Feeling unhappy or depressed.
"She's been down in the dumps since her cat ran away."
the ups and downs
The good and bad times in life or a situation.
"Life has its ups and downs, but we must learn to deal with them."
From Old English *dūnas* (plural of *dūn*, meaning 'hill'), referring to the rolling hills of grassland. Also, a plural of 'down', meaning 'to put down' or 'go down'.
Historically used to describe open, elevated grasslands in southern England, as well as in nautical contexts. It's also expanded to describe low periods.