How Do You Spell DOWNFALLEN?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊnfɔːlən] (IPA)

The word "downfallen" is a past participle form of the verb "downfall," which means to suffer a sudden and dramatic decline or collapse. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl(ə)n/. The first syllable "down" is pronounced as "daʊn," the second syllable "fall" is pronounced as "fɔːl," and the suffix "-en" is pronounced as "(ə)n." Therefore, the correct spelling of the word "downfallen" is clear when following the IPA transcription.

DOWNFALLEN Meaning and Definition

  1. Downfallen is an adjective that describes someone or something that has experienced a decline or a loss of status, power, or prosperity. The term is derived from the verb "to fall," which denotes a sudden descent from an elevated position or a decline from a higher state to a lower one. When applied to a person, it suggests a sense of having fallen from a position of influence, success, or high standing.

    Typically, the state of being downfallen is associated with a sense of disappointment, defeat, or failure. It conveys a feeling of sadness, as it often implies that someone has fallen from grace, faced adversity, or encountered a significant setback in their life or career. For instance, a once-powerful political leader might be described as downfallen after losing an election or being involved in a scandal.

    The word can also be applied to objects, organizations, or events that have experienced a decline in their condition or effectiveness. It suggests a loss of prominence, reputation, or quality that was once held. For example, a once-prestigious company that faces financial difficulties and lays off many employees could be described as downfallen.

    In summary, downfallen refers to someone or something that has suffered a decline in status, power, or prosperity. It carries connotations of disappointment and sadness, indicating a fall from a higher state or position.

  2. Ruined; fallen.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DOWNFALLEN

Etymology of DOWNFALLEN

The word "downfallen" is derived from two separate components: "down" and "fallen".

- "Down" is derived from the Old English word "dūne", which means "from a higher to a lower position" or "towards a lower place". This term has remained relatively unchanged over time, carrying the same meaning to the present day.

- "Fallen" is the past participle form of the verb "fall", which comes from the Old English word "feallan". "Feallan" originally meant "to bring down (an opponent) in battle" or "to tumble or descend". Over time, "fall" came to be associated with descending from a higher position, both literally and metaphorically.

When these two words are combined, "downfallen" refers to something or someone that has fallen or descended from a higher to a lower position, usually in a negative or unfortunate sense.

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