Pronunciation: [wˈɔːtəd dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The phrase "watered down" means diluted or weaker than it should be. It is spelled with a "t" in between "watered" and "down". Phonetic transcription of "watered" is /ˈwɔːtəd/ and "down" is /daʊn/. The "t" sound in "watered" is represented by the letter "t" while the "d" sound in "down" is represented by the letter "d". The conjunction "ed" at the end of "watered" indicates that the verb is in the past tense.
Watered down is an idiomatic expression that refers to the weakening or dilution of something, most commonly ideas, principles, or substances. It is used to describe a situation where the strength, quality, or effectiveness of something has been significantly diminished in order to appeal to a wider or more mainstream audience.
In the context of ideas or principles, when something is watered down, it means that the original content or message has been toned down or altered to make it more accessible or palatable to a larger group of people. This may involve removing controversial or complex elements, simplifying language or concepts, or avoiding contentious issues altogether. The result is often a diluted version lacking the depth or impact of the original idea or principle.
When referring to substances, such as a drink or a solution, the term watered down suggests that water has been added to decrease its concentration or potency. This process weakens the intensity, flavor, or effectiveness of the substance, making it less concentrated or diluted.
Watered down can also describe the act of making something less potent or weaker in order to avoid conflict or controversy. This practice often occurs in politics or bureaucracy when policies or decisions are modified or compromised to gain broader support, but at the expense of their original intention or impact.
The phrase "watered down" originates from the literal act of diluting or thinning something with water. The word "watered" is derived from the Middle English word "wateren", which means "to moisten or wet". The term "watered down" took on a figurative meaning over time, referring to the process of weakening or reducing the strength, effectiveness, or quality of something.
