Downshift: meaning, definitions and examples
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downshift
[ ˈdaʊnʃɪft ]
car engine
To downshift means to change to a lower gear in a vehicle's transmission system. This is often done to increase power or control when driving, especially when going downhill or needing to accelerate.
Synonyms
decrease gear, gear down, shift down
Examples of usage
- He decided to downshift to slow down the car as they approached the curve.
- When entering the steep hill, she downshifted to maintain better control.
- The driver downshifted to gain more torque for the steep ascent.
metaphorical use
In a metaphorical context, to downshift can mean to reduce the pace or intensity of one's lifestyle or work. It is often used to describe a decision to lead a simpler or less stressful life.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- After years of working overtime, she chose to downshift and focus on her family.
- The corporate executive decided to downshift his career to pursue his passion for art.
- Many people are choosing to downshift their lifestyles in favor of wellness and mindfulness.
Translations
Translations of the word "downshift" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reduzir a marcha
🇮🇳 गियर कम करना
🇩🇪 herunterschalten
🇮🇩 menurunkan gigi
🇺🇦 знизити передачу
🇵🇱 zmniejszyć bieg
🇯🇵 ダウンシフトする
🇫🇷 réduire la vitesse
🇪🇸 bajar marcha
🇹🇷 vites düşürmek
🇰🇷 기어를 낮추다
🇸🇦 خفض التروس
🇨🇿 snížit převod
🇸🇰 znižovať prevod
🇨🇳 降档
🇸🇮 zmanjšati prenos
🇮🇸 minnka gír
🇰🇿 төмендегу
🇬🇪 გასწორება
🇦🇿 aşağıya keçmək
🇲🇽 bajar de marcha
Etymology
The term 'downshift' is a compound word formed by 'down' and 'shift.' 'Down' has Old English roots, indicating a direction or descent, while 'shift' comes from the Old English 'scyftan,' meaning to divide or change. The automotive usage of 'downshift' likely emerged alongside the development of cars and manual transmissions in the early 20th century. The principal idea relates to decreasing speed or power by changing gears. Over time, the term has evolved to find usage in various contexts, particularly in discussions about lifestyle and work-life balance, reflecting a growing trend toward moderation and simplicity in modern living.