Downshifted: meaning, definitions and examples
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downshifted
[ ˈdaʊnˌʃɪftɪd ]
automotive terminology
To downshift refers to the act of shifting a vehicle's transmission into a lower gear, which can provide more power to the wheels and enhance control in various driving conditions. This action is often used by drivers when they need more torque or when descending steep slopes. Additionally, downshifting can help to slow down the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes, thereby preventing brake wear and maintaining vehicle stability.
Synonyms
gear down, reduce gear, shift down
Examples of usage
- The driver downshifted to tackle the steep hill.
- He downshifted before entering the sharp turn.
- During heavy traffic, many choose to downshift for better control.
Translations
Translations of the word "downshifted" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reduzido
🇮🇳 कम किया हुआ
🇩🇪 heruntergeschaltet
🇮🇩 diberhentikan
🇺🇦 знижений
🇵🇱 obniżony
🇯🇵 ダウンシフトされた
🇫🇷 réduit
🇪🇸 reducido
🇹🇷 düşürülmüş
🇰🇷 하향 전환된
🇸🇦 مخفض
🇨🇿 snížený
🇸🇰 znižený
🇨🇳 降档的
🇸🇮 znižan
🇮🇸 lækkaður
🇰🇿 төмендетілген
🇬🇪 დაბალანსებული
🇦🇿 azaldılmış
🇲🇽 reducido
Etymology
The term 'downshift' derives from the combination of 'down' and 'shift', where 'down' indicates a reduction in gear number, suggesting a lowering of power in a vehicle context. The word 'shift' has Old English roots, originating from the word 'scyftan', which means to divide, exchange, or transfer. The action of downshifting has been particularly relevant with the advent of automobiles in the early 20th century, as drivers began to learn the importance of using gears effectively to manage speed and power. Over time, downshifting has become integral to performance driving, with manuals and tips on the technique being widely discussed among car enthusiasts and professionals. The modern usage of the word also reflects advancements in vehicle technology, where automatic transmissions now offer manual controls for downshifting, making the term relevant across different types of vehicles.