Differences between talk down and talk up
Talk down means to speak to someone in a condescending or belittling manner, while talk up means to promote or praise something or someone.
Meanings and Definitions: talk down vs talk up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Talk down
- 1Try to make something sound less important.
The company CEO TALKED DOWN the recent fall in shares.
- 2Persuade someone not to jump off a high place to kill themselves.
A man was threatening to jump off the building but the police TALKED him DOWN.
Talk up
- 1Make something appear more important significant than it really is. or
The government are trying to TALK UP the effect of their policies.
Usage Examples: talk down, talk up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
talk down
Example
She always tries to talk down her accomplishments.
Example
He talks down the importance of the issue.
talk up
Example
The salesperson tried to talk up the benefits of the new car.
Example
She always talks up her friends when introducing them to new people.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Talk down
To make someone or something seem unimportant or inferior.
Example
She always belittles her coworkers' ideas during meetings.
To speak to someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable.
Example
He patronizes his younger sister by explaining things she already knows.
undermine
To weaken or damage someone's confidence or authority.
Example
His constant criticism undermined her ability to lead the team effectively.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Talk up
hype up
To promote or advertise something in an exaggerated or enthusiastic way.
Example
The company hired a celebrity to hype up their new product launch.
To promote or praise something or someone publicly.
Example
The restaurant was touted as having the best pizza in town.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “talk”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- die down
- trickle down
- fall down
- send down
- bargain down
Differences in talk down vs talk up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: talk down or talk up?
Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but talk up is more common in business or marketing contexts. Talk down is less common and often considered impolite.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of talk down and talk up
Talk up can be used in both formal and informal settings, especially when promoting a product or service. Talk down is generally informal and not appropriate for formal situations.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of talk down and talk up
The tone of talk down is negative and critical, while the tone of talk up is positive and enthusiastic.
