Phrasal verb
put down
Meanings
to place something on a surface
to criticize or insult someone in a hurtful way
to stop holding something and let it rest (e.g., a tool, phone, or book)
Definition
To put down usually means to place something on a surface.
To put down means to place something somewhere, especially on a table, floor, or other surface. It can also mean to criticize or insult someone to make them feel small. In some contexts, it means to stop holding something and let it rest in a stable position.
Examples
- I put down my keys on the shelf by the door.
- Can you put down the box for a second and rest your arms?
- He put down his phone when the meeting started.
- She felt awful after her teammate put down her idea in front of everyone.
- They put down the groceries and started cooking right away.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "put down" (place something) with "put away" (store something in its proper place).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.