die down
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle down
Meanings
Feelings or excitement gradually become calmer
Why “down”? Strong feelings or energy become lower and calmer.
“His anger died down after the apology.”
“The excitement died down after a few days.”
Become less strong, loud or active
Why “down”? When there is less of something, it goes down. Prices, sound, heat and speed all work this way.
“The storm died down by evening.”
“The crowd noise died down after the speech.”
Don't confuse with
Die down means gradually become calmer or weaker. Die off means gradually all die one after another.
Test yourself
“His anger died down after the apology.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
die off
A contrast learners often mix up
Gradually all die one after another
bring down
Same down pattern: less
Cause something to fall or land; Make something lower in level or amount; Cause a government or leader to lose power; Make someone feel sad or depressed
calm down
Same down pattern: calming
Become or make less excited or angry
come down
Same down pattern: less
Drop from a high level it has been at; Move to a lower level, price or position; Have been passed down from earlier generations; Decide in favour of one side after consideration; Become ill with a particular illness; (of rain, snow or hail) fall
cool down
Same down pattern: less
Become or make less hot; Become calmer after anger or excitement; Do gentle exercise after a hard workout
count down
Same down pattern: less
Count backwards to zero before an event
cut down
Same down pattern: less
Reduce the amount of something; Fell a tree by cutting at its base; Kill or seriously injure many people quickly
dress down
Same down pattern: less
Wear less formal clothes than usual
Practice “die down” in Sink In
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