let down

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Explanation of "Let Down"

The phrase "let down" is a verb that has two main meanings:

Usage Instructions

• You can use "let down" when talking about emotions or feelings by describing how someone feels disappointed.
• You can also use it in a more physical context when describing moving something to a lower place.

Advanced Usage

• In a more advanced context, "let down" can be used to discuss feelings of betrayal or unfulfilled promises in relationships or friendships.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants of "let down," but you can use it in different tenses:
  • Past tense: "let down" (e.g., "He let me down yesterday.")
  • Present participle: "letting down" (e.g., "She is letting him down by not showing up.")

Different Meanings

• While "let down" primarily means to disappoint or to lower something, in specific contexts, it can also refer to feeling emotionally burdened.

Synonyms

• For "fail to meet expectations":

  • Disappoint
  • Fail
  • Betray (in a stronger context)

• For "move to a lower position":

  • Lower
  • Drop
  • Take down

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Phrasal verb: "Let someone down gently" means to disappoint someone in a kind or gentle way.
  • Example: "I had to let him down gently when I told him I couldn't go out with him."

Summary

"Let down" is an important phrase that can describe both emotional disappointment and physical actions of lowering something.

Academic

Verb

1. fail to meet the hopes or expectations of
   • Her boyfriend let her down when he did not propose marriage
2. move something or somebody to a lower position
   • take down the vase from the shelf

Synonyms

• disappoint
• lower
• take down
• get down
• bring down