What are the definitions of “dumb down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce the intellectual level of something in search of popularity.
Television has been DUMBING DOWN the news for years.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dumb down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dumb down is to simplify or reduce the intellectual level of something, often to make it more popular or easier to understand. For example, it can be used to describe the simplification of a complex topic or the lowering of standards in education or media.
What are the different verb forms of “dumb down”?
| Root Verb | dumb down |
| Third Person Singular Present | dumbs down |
| Present Participle | dumbing down |
| Simple Past | dumbed down |
| Past Participle | dumbed down |
Example
Some people believe that modern movies dumb down complex stories.
Example
He dumbs down his explanations for the younger students.
Example
The teacher is dumbing down the lesson to make it more accessible.
Example
The publisher dumbed down the textbook to appeal to a wider audience.
Example
The original script was dumbed down to make the movie more marketable.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dumb down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“dumb down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The news channel dumbed down the complex issue.
Example
She dumbed the presentation down for the general audience.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“dumb down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The news channel dumbed down the complex issue.
Example
She dumbed the presentation down for the general audience.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dumb down”?
Good things to know
Does “dumb down” have an informal or formal tone?
Dumb down is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in academic or highly formal contexts, alternative phrases such as 'simplify' or 'reduce the complexity' might be more appropriate.
