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

• break through,
• brake drum,
• brush down,
• break dancing,
• brick trowel,
• bragdon,
• break out,
• breakstone,
• break with,
• breakout,
• break dance,
• breakdown,
• brake disk.

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