The phrase "runs down" is spelled with the letter 'r', which is pronounced as the voiced alveolar trill /r/. The 'u' in "runs" is pronounced as the short u vowel /ʌ/, while the 'o' in "down" is pronounced as the short o vowel /ɒ/. The 'n' in both words is pronounced as the alveolar nasal consonant /n/. Together, the phrase is phonetically transcribed as /rʌnz daʊn/, which represents the specific sounds heard when pronouncing each individual letter in the phrase.
The phrase "runs down" is a verb phrase with multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts. One of its definitions refers to the act of physically moving in a fast-paced, often downward direction. For instance, it could describe a person rapidly descending a flight of stairs or a river cascading downhill. In this sense, "runs down" emphasizes the quickness and speed of the movement.
Another definition of "runs down" is to deplete or exhaust something gradually over time, such as energy, resources, or supplies. For example, someone might say, "I'm feeling exhausted because work is constantly running me down." This implies that work is gradually draining their energy or wearing them out.
In addition, "runs down" can be used to describe the process of investigating and discussing a subject in a detailed and comprehensive manner. For instance, a journalist might say, "I will run down all the evidence to uncover the truth." Here, "running down" means gathering all the relevant information or facts to thoroughly analyze a situation.
Moreover, "runs down" can refer to the act of criticizing or belittling someone or something. If a person continuously speaks negatively about another person, they can be said to be "running them down." This usage implies a persistent and targeted effort to undermine or disparage someone's reputation.
In summary, "runs down" has various meanings ranging from physical movement to depleting resources, investigating exhaustively, or criticizing someone or something persistently. The specific interpretation of the phrase depends on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "runs down" is a combination of the verb "run" and the adverb "down". The etymology of the word "run" can be traced back to Old English "rinnan" and Proto-Germanic "rinnaną", meaning "to flow, run". It is a very old word and can be found in various Germanic languages with similar meanings. "Down" originated from Old English "dūne", which means "from a higher to a lower position". When combined, "runs down" typically refers to someone or something moving quickly or fiercely in a downward direction.