The phrase "cast down" is commonly used to describe feeling sad or discouraged. It is spelled as /kæst daʊn/ in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet). The first syllable "cast" is pronounced as /kæst/, with a short "a" sound and a hard "t" sound at the end. The second syllable "down" is pronounced as /daʊn/, with a diphthong sound that starts with an open "a" sound and ends with a rounded "u" sound. Together, the two syllables create a rhythmic and melodic phrase that captures the emotional gravity of feeling downcast.
The term "cast down" is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "cast" and the adverb "down." It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. In the literal sense, "cast down" means to throw or fling an object or person forcefully towards the ground or a lower position. This action implies a strong force or motion resulting in the downward movement of the subject. For example, a person may cast down a stone from a height, causing it to fall rapidly towards the ground.
In its figurative sense, "cast down" refers to a person's emotional or psychological state. It signifies a condition of being saddened, depressed, or feeling defeated and dejected. To cast someone down emotionally means to make them feel low in spirits or morale, often due to disappointment, a setback, or a sense of failure. This expression suggests a loss of confidence or a decrease in self-esteem.
"Cast down" can also be used in religious or spiritual contexts, where it denotes a feeling of having been forsaken or rejected by a divine power. It is often associated with feelings of guilt, remorse, or a sense of divine punishment. This expression implies a feeling of being abandoned or separated from spiritual support or blessings.
Overall, "cast down" can mean physically throwing something downward, emotionally feeling low-spirited, or spiritually feeling abandoned or rejected. The context in which it is used determines its specific meaning.
The word "cast down" is a phrase rather than a single word, and it is composed of two separate words: "cast" and "down".
1. "Cast": This word can be traced back to Old Norse "kasta", meaning "to throw" or "to cast". It entered Middle English from Old Norse through the influence of the Vikings during the Viking Age. The word "cast" has various meanings, but in this phrase, it refers to the action of throwing something forcefully.
2. "Down": This word comes from Old English "dūne", which means "from a higher to a lower position" or "in a downward direction". It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic "dūnaz". The word "down" typically denotes a movement or direction towards the ground or a lower level.