downbeat
pronunciation
How to pronounce downbeat in British English:
UK [ˈdaʊnbi:t]
How to pronounce downbeat in American English:
US [ˈdaʊnˌbit]
-
- Noun:
- the first beat of a musical measure (as the conductor's arm moves downward)
Word Origin
- downbeat
- 1876 (n.), in reference to downward stroke of a conductor's baton; 1952 (adj.) in figurative sense of "pessimistic," but that is probably via associations of the word down (adv.), because the beat itself is no more pessimistic than the upbeat is optimistic.
Example
- 1. Tuesday 's downbeat prognosis offers little reason to disagree .
- 2. Recent business surveys have had a downbeat tone .
- 3. The extension is not unexpected given the downbeat statements by world leaders in recent weeks .
- 4. The downbeat assessment means that the fed is less likely to respond to lower growth with interest rate cuts .
- 5. The trouble is that the downbeat narrative is deeply ingrained .