WATEREDDOWN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "watered-down" refers to something that has been diluted or made weaker by the addition or presence of water. It is commonly used metaphorically to describe something that has been weakened, diluted, or reduced in quality, intensity, or effectiveness. The phrase originates from the process of watering down a liquid to make it less concentrated or potent.
In a literal context, "watered-down" can apply to beverages or solutions that have had water added to them, resulting in a softer taste, lower viscosity, or decreased potency. For instance, a cocktail might be described as watered-down if it has a milder flavor due to excessive dilution with water. Similarly, a chemical solution might be considered watered-down if its strength or concentration has been diminished through the inclusion of water.
In a figurative sense, "watered-down" is used to describe a weakened or diluted version of something. For example, a watered-down version of a novel might refer to a simplified or abridged adaptation that lacks the depth or complexity of the original work. This term can also be used to criticize products, policies, or ideas that have been compromised or modified to appeal to a wider audience but have lost their original impact or significance. In summary, "watered-down" signifies a decrease in the intensity, potency, quality, or effectiveness of something.
Common Misspellings for WATEREDDOWN
- qatereddown
- aatereddown
- satereddown
- eatereddown
- 3atereddown
- 2atereddown
- wztereddown
- wstereddown
- wwtereddown
- wqtereddown
- warereddown
- wafereddown
- wagereddown
- wayereddown
- wa6ereddown
- wa5ereddown
- watwreddown
- watsreddown
- watdreddown
- watrreddown
Etymology of WATEREDDOWN
The word "watered-down" is a compound adjective formed by combining the words "watered" and "down".
The word "watered" comes from the Old English word "wæterian", which means "to water, irrigate". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "watōną", meaning "to water, wet". This root is also related to words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse "vatna" and the German "wässern".
The term "down" has origins in Old English as well, derived from the word "dūne", meaning "hill" or "mound". Over time, "down" has also come to represent the soft, fluffy feathers found on certain birds. This second definition is relevant to the figurative meaning of "watered-down".
