Phrasal verbs "power down" vs "power off"

Differences between power down and power off

Power down and power off are similar in meaning, but power down is often used to describe a gradual reduction of power, while power off is used to describe an immediate cessation of power.

Meanings and Definitions: power down vs power off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Power down

• 1. Cut the electricity supply to a computer or electronic device.

  I POWERED DOWN my computer and went for lunch.

Power off

• 1. Cut the electricity to a computer or device to turn it off.

  You mustn't POWER it OFF while it is updating.

Usage Examples: power down, power off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

power down

Example

Before leaving the office, I always power down my computer.

Example

She powers down her laptop before going to bed.

power off

Example

Please power off your devices before the meeting starts.

Example

He powers off his computer every night before leaving the office.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Power down

shut down

To turn off a machine or device completely.

Example

Before leaving the office, make sure to shut down your computer properly.

wind down

To gradually reduce activity or power before coming to a stop.

Example

After a long day at work, I like to wind down by taking a relaxing bath.

scale back

To reduce or decrease something gradually.

Example

Due to budget cuts, the company had to scale back its operations and lay off some employees.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Power off

turn off

To switch off a device or machine.

Example

Please remember to turn off the lights before leaving the room.

shut off

To stop the flow of something, such as water or gas.

Example

In case of a gas leak, you should shut off the gas supply immediately.

cut off

To abruptly stop the supply or flow of something.

Example

The storm cut off power to the entire neighborhood for several hours.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “power”

• power off
• power up

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• write down
• pat down
• shake down
• grind down
• count down

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

• bunk off
• shoot off
• pair off
• moggy off
• bug off!

Differences in power down vs power off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: power down or power off?

Both power down and power off are commonly used in technical contexts such as electronics, computers, and machinery. However, power off is more commonly used in everyday language to refer to turning off electronic devices like phones or TVs.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of power down and power off

Both power down and power off are technical terms and are suitable for formal contexts such as business or academic settings. However, power down may be considered slightly more formal than power off due to its association with gradual processes.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of power down and power off

The tone of power down and power off can differ based on context. Power down often carries a deliberate or cautious tone when referring to gradually reducing power, while power off typically has a more abrupt and forceful tone when referring to immediately cutting power.

power down & power off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Power down

Synonyms

• disable
• turn off
• shut down
• switch off
• close down
• deactivate

Antonyms

• activate
• enable
• power up
• turn on
• switch on

Power off

Synonyms

• disconnect
• turn off
• shut down
• switch off
• deactivate
• kill

Antonyms

• activate
• power on
• turn on
• switch on
• connect
• start up