talk down

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The phrase "talk down" can have a couple of different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Let’s break it down for a new English learner.

Meanings:

1. To Control an Airplane's Landing: In aviation, "talk down" means to guide a pilot through the landing process, especially if there is an emergency. For example, air traffic control helps a pilot land the plane safely using radio instructions.

   • Example: "The control tower talked down the plane when the pilot fell ill."

2. To Speak Condescendingly: In a more everyday context, "talk down" means to speak to someone in a way that makes them feel inferior, as if they are less smart or capable. This often feels disrespectful or belittling.

   • Example: "He tends to talk down to his younger colleagues, making them feel unimportant."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "talk down" in the context of aviation when discussing landing procedures.
• Use it in social situations when discussing how someone speaks to another person in a disrespectful or patronizing manner.

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about communication styles, you might say, "It is important to avoid talking down to others, as it can damage relationships and create a negative atmosphere."

Word Variants:

• Talk down to: This phrase specifically highlights speaking in a condescending manner.
• Talk down (someone/something): Can also mean to diminish the importance of something through speech.

Different Meanings:

• Talk down can also imply persuading someone to take a less aggressive or less risky approach, such as negotiating to lower tensions in a discussion.

Synonyms:

• For the aviation context: Guide, direct.
• For the condescending context: Belittle, patronize, demean.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Talk down to: This specific phrase emphasizes the act of speaking condescendingly.
• Talk someone down: In some contexts, this can mean to calm someone down during a tense situation.

Summary:

In summary, "talk down" has important uses in both aviation and everyday conversation. It can mean to guide a pilot during landing or to speak to someone in a way that makes them feel less important.

Academic

Verb

1. direct and control (the flight of an airplane during landing) via radio
   • the control tower talked down the plane whose pilot fell ill
2. speak in a condescending manner, as if to a child
   • He talks down to her
3. belittle through talk