How Do You Spell BREAK DOWN?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈe͡ɪk dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The word "break down" is spelled in a way that reflects its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /breɪk daʊn/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "break" is spelled with the "ea" vowel combination, which makes the long "a" sound, and the "k" is followed by a silent "e". The second syllable "down" is spelled with a "ow" vowel combination, which makes the dipthong "aʊ". This results in the spelling "break down", which accurately represents the sounds of the word.

BREAK DOWN Meaning and Definition

  1. Break down is a phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts with slightly different meanings. It refers to the process of disassembling or fragmenting something, often resulting in smaller parts or components. It can also imply the failure or malfunctioning of a system, relationship, or a person's mental or physical state.

    In terms of objects or machinery, break down means to separate into smaller pieces for analysis, repair, or disposal. For instance, a mechanic might break down an engine to identify and fix a specific problem. It can also denote the decomposition of organic matter into simpler compounds, such as when substances break down during the process of composting.

    When applied to relationships or communication, break down implies a collapse or deterioration in the connection between individuals, organizations, or countries. It suggests a breakdown in understanding, trust, or cooperation, leading to a state of discord or estrangement.

    Furthermore, break down can describe the weakening or deterioration of a person's mental or physical well-being. For example, one can experience a mental breakdown due to overwhelming stress or emotional strain, leading to an inability to function effectively. Similarly, a physical breakdown refers to the failure or impairment of bodily functions or systems.

    In summary, the versatile phrase "break down" encompasses various meanings, including the act of dismantling or fragmenting objects, the deterioration of relationships or communication, and the decline or impairment of mental or physical well-being.

Common Misspellings for BREAK DOWN

  • vreak down
  • nreak down
  • hreak down
  • greak down
  • beeak down
  • bdeak down
  • bfeak down
  • bteak down
  • b5eak down
  • b4eak down
  • brwak down
  • brsak down
  • brdak down
  • brrak down
  • br4ak down
  • br3ak down
  • brezk down
  • freak down

Etymology of BREAK DOWN

The phrase "break down" has its roots in Old English. The word "break" comes from the Old English "brecan", which means to fracture or smash into pieces. Similarly, the word "down" comes from the Old English "dūn", which means a low place or a hill. Over time, the phrase "break down" came to mean the act of something falling apart or failing, often referring to mechanical or emotional breakdowns. It later extended to include the process of analyzing or dissecting something into smaller parts.

Idioms with the word BREAK DOWN

  • break down sth The idiom "break down something" refers to the act of dissecting or analyzing a complex idea, problem, or situation into smaller parts or components in order to understand it better or solve it more effectively. It involves breaking a whole into its individual elements or aspects to gain a clearer understanding of its structure or workings.
  • break down sb To "break down sb" typically means to weaken or undermine someone emotionally, mentally, or physically. It can refer to causing someone to lose their composure, confidence, or strength. The idiom implies that the person is overwhelmed or defeated by an intense or challenging situation.
  • break down (and cry) The definition of the idiom "break down (and cry)" refers to a situation where someone is overwhelmed by emotion or distress, to the point where they are unable to control their feelings and begin to cry. It implies a loss of composure due to extreme sadness, frustration, or stress.
  • break down barriers The idiom "break down barriers" means to remove or overcome obstacles, boundaries, or divisions that prevent communication, understanding, or progress between individuals, groups, or ideas. It refers to striving for equality, inclusiveness, and unity by eliminating prejudice, discrimination, or any form of resistance that hinders cooperation or harmony.
  • break down "Break down" means to stop functioning properly, to fail, or to collapse. It can also refer to taking something apart or analyzing it in detail.

Similar spelling words for BREAK DOWN

Plural form of BREAK DOWN is BREAK DOWNS

Conjugate verb Break down

CONDITIONAL

I would break down
you would break down
he/she/it would break down
we would break down
they would break down

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be breaking down
you would be breaking down
he/she/it would be breaking down
we would be breaking down
they would be breaking down

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have break down
you would have break down
he/she/it would have break down
we would have break down
they would have break down

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been breaking down
you would have been breaking down
he/she/it would have been breaking down
we would have been breaking down
they would have been breaking down

FUTURE

I will break down
you will break down
he/she/it will break down
we will break down
they will break down

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be breaking down
you will be breaking down
he/she/it will be breaking down
we will be breaking down
they will be breaking down

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have broken down
you will have broken down
he/she/it will have broken down
we will have broken down
they will have broken down

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been breaking down
you will have been breaking down
he/she/it will have been breaking down
we will have been breaking down
they will have been breaking down

IMPERATIVE

you break down
we let´s break down

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to break down

PAST

I broke down
you broke down
he/she/it broke down
we broke down
they broke down

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was breaking down
you were breaking down
he/she/it was breaking down
we were breaking down
they were breaking down

PAST PARTICIPLE

broken down

PAST PERFECT

I had broken down
you had broken down
he/she/it had broken down
we had broken down
they had broken down

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been breaking down
you had been breaking down
he/she/it had been breaking down
we had been breaking down
they had been breaking down

PRESENT

I break down
you break down
he/she/it breaks down
we break down
they break down

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am breaking down
you are breaking down
he/she/it is breaking down
we are breaking down
they are breaking down

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

breaking down

PRESENT PERFECT

I have broken down
you have broken down
he/she/it has broken down
we have broken down
they have broken down

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been breaking down
you have been breaking down
he/she/it has been breaking down
we have been breaking down
they have been breaking down

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