The phrase combines turn, suggesting a change of direction or setting, with down, suggesting a lower position or level. The idea of lowering developed into both reducing a control and refusing what is offered.
The phrase combines turn, suggesting a change of direction or setting, with down, suggesting a lower position or level. The idea of lowering developed into both reducing a control and refusing what is offered.
What does turn down mean?
It commonly means to refuse something or to reduce an adjustable level.
Can turn down mean reject a person?
Yes. To turn someone down is to refuse their request, application, or romantic invitation.
Is turn down separable?
Yes. A noun may follow the phrase or come between its parts, and a pronoun normally goes between them: turn it down.
What does turn down the music mean?
It means to reduce the music’s volume.
What is the opposite of turn down?
For a setting, turn up is the opposite. For an offer, accept is the opposite.
Is turn down informal?
It is standard neutral English and is common in both speech and writing.