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turn down
/tɜːrn daʊn/◆phrasal verb
to refuse or reject an offer or request
She turned down the job offer because it didn't pay enough.
She rejected the job offer because the salary was insufficient.
informal
to reject or refuse an offer, request, or invitation
He turned down the invitation to the party.
He declined the invitation to the party.
The bank turned down her loan application.
The bank rejected her loan application.
Often used in informal contexts to indicate refusal politely.
informal
to reduce the volume or intensity of something
Can you turn down the music? It's too loud.
Could you reduce the volume of the music? It's too loud.
She turned down the heat because it was too warm.
She lowered the temperature because it was too warm.
Commonly used when adjusting volume, temperature, or other levels.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'turn down' depends on whether it refers to people (refusal) or objects (reduction).
Gold Rule
Polite Refusal
Use 'turn down' to politely reject offers or requests.
Word Origin
The phrase 'turn down' combines the verb 'turn' (to change direction or position) with the adverb 'down' (indicating reduction or refusal).
Usage Notes
The meaning depends on context: refusal (people) or reduction (volume, temperature).
Word Breakdown
turn
to change direction or position
verbdown
indicating reduction or refusal
adverbEnglish Dictionary