How Do You Spell DIAL DOWN?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪ͡əl dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The phrase "dial down" is commonly used to mean to reduce or decrease the intensity of something, such as volume or emotions. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward and follows standard English conventions. "Dial" is spelled /daɪəl/, with the diphthong sound /aɪ/ representing the vowel combination "ai." "Down" is spelled /daʊn/, with the vowel combination "ou" pronounced as the diphthong /aʊ/. Together, the phrase "dial down" is pronounced /daɪəl daʊn/.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Idioms
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

DIAL DOWN Meaning and Definition

  1. Dial down is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of reducing, lessening, or diminishing the intensity, level, or amount of something. It typically refers to the process of making an adjustment or modification in order to make something less intense, severe, aggressive, or extreme. The term "dial" metaphorically refers to a control mechanism, like the one found on old telephones or radios, where one can alter settings by turning a circular dial.

    For instance, in a conversation, "dialing down" is when a person intentionally softens their tone, approach or emotions in order to create a more relaxed or non-confrontational atmosphere. In a broader context, "dialing down" can be associated with reducing the intensity of any situation or action, ranging from verbal disagreements to business negotiations.

    The expression can also be used to indicate the decrease of physical or sensory aspects. For example, if a person is experiencing excessive noise, they may "dial down" the volume on their stereo to lessen the loudness. Similarly, in a technological sense, "dialing down" refers to the action of decreasing or adjusting the settings or parameters of a device or software to achieve a lower level or intensity.

    Overall, the term "dial down" signifies a deliberate effort to decrease the magnitude, force, or impact of something, aiming for a more moderate or milder outcome.

Etymology of DIAL DOWN

The word "dial down" is derived from a combination of two separate words: "dial" and "down".

The term "dial" refers to the circular plate or face with marked divisions used on certain devices, such as clocks, radios, or telephones. This plate or face typically has a pointer or indicator that can be rotated to select or adjust a particular setting or level.

The word "down" in this context means to reduce, decrease, or lower something. It is commonly used to indicate a decrease in intensity, volume, strength, or any other measurable quality.

When combined, "dial down" metaphorically means to decrease or reduce something by adjusting a control or setting. It implies the act of lowering or moderating the intensity, level, or degree of a particular situation, behavior, action, or emotion.

Idioms with the word DIAL DOWN

  • dial down To reduce the intensity or level of something, such as emotions, activities, or actions.

Conjugate verb Dial down

CONDITIONAL

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

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you dial down
we let´s dial down

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to dial down

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

dialed down

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I dial down
you dial down
he/she/it dials down
we dial down
they dial down

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

dialing down

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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