B2 verb Neutre

breakdown

/ˌbreɪk ˈdaʊn/

To separate a complex system, idea, or set of data into smaller, simpler parts for easier understanding or analysis. It also refers to a machine or vehicle stopping function due to a mechanical failure.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

My old car tends to break down whenever the weather gets too cold.

My old car often stops working whenever the weather becomes extremely cold.

2

The mediator attempted to break down the complex legal terms into language the family could understand.

The mediator tried to simplify the difficult legal vocabulary into words the family could comprehend.

3

Just break it down for me: how much is this going to cost in total?

Explain it simply: what is the final total price of this?

Famille de mots

Nom
breakdown
Verb
break down
Adjectif
broken-down
Apparenté
breakage
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'KitKat' bar: to see the layers inside, you have to 'break' it 'down' into individual sticks.

Quiz rapide

To understand the annual report, we need to ______ the revenue into monthly segments.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : break down

Exemples

1

My old car tends to break down whenever the weather gets too cold.

everyday

My old car often stops working whenever the weather becomes extremely cold.

2

The mediator attempted to break down the complex legal terms into language the family could understand.

formal

The mediator tried to simplify the difficult legal vocabulary into words the family could comprehend.

3

Just break it down for me: how much is this going to cost in total?

informal

Explain it simply: what is the final total price of this?

4

In this study, we break down the demographic data by age, region, and socioeconomic status.

academic

In this research, we categorize the population statistics according to age, location, and economic level.

5

We need to break down the project tasks so that each team member knows their specific responsibilities.

business

We must divide the project work into smaller parts so every employee understands their specific role.

Famille de mots

Nom
breakdown
Verb
break down
Adjectif
broken-down
Apparenté
breakage

Collocations courantes

break down the data to analyze the information in detail
break down barriers to remove obstacles or social divisions
break down the costs to list expenses individually
break down in tears to suddenly start crying
break down communication to experience a failure in exchanging information

Phrases Courantes

break it down

to explain something in a simple way

break down a door

to use force to open a locked entrance

break down the wall

to overcome prejudice or limitations

Souvent confondu avec

breakdown vs breakthrough

A 'breakthrough' is a positive discovery or progress, while 'break down' often implies failure or a process of taking things apart.

📝

Notes d'usage

When used as a verb, it is two words ('break down'). In academic writing, it specifically refers to the methodological process of dividing data into variables.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often write 'breakdown' as one word when they are using it as a verb. Remember: 'The car had a breakdown (noun)' but 'The car will break down (verb).'

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'KitKat' bar: to see the layers inside, you have to 'break' it 'down' into individual sticks.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English 'brecan' (to shatter) and the adverb 'down' to indicate a state of collapse or total analysis.

Modèles grammaticaux

Intransitive when meaning failure: 'The engine broke down.' Transitive and separable when meaning analysis: 'Break the data down' or 'Break down the data.' Past tense: broke down; Past participle: broken down.
🌍

Contexte culturel

In corporate settings, 'breaking down the silos' is a common phrase used to describe improving collaboration between different departments.

Quiz rapide

To understand the annual report, we need to ______ the revenue into monthly segments.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : break down

Mots lis

comagnment

C1

Describes a state of shared administrative authority or joint management over a specific project, resource, or asset. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts to characterize agreements where oversight is distributed among multiple parties.

semiferous

C1

Describing a plant, organ, or biological structure that produces, bears, or carries seeds. It is a technical term used to categorize species or parts based on their reproductive capacity to generate seeds.

inmissery

C1

A formal noun describing the state of being profoundly engulfed in or trapped by extreme distress, sorrow, or wretchedness. It emphasizes the internal and seemingly inescapable nature of one's suffering within a specific situation.

anfractty

C1

To follow a winding, circuitous, or indirect course; to move in a way that involves many twists and turns. Figuratively, it refers to the act of complicating a process or narrative with unnecessary details or indirect logic.

syngestable

C1

A syngestable is a specialized synthetic substance or component designed to be integrated and processed seamlessly within a biological or chemical system. It is used in advanced pharmacology to describe a material that acts as a carrier and is completely absorbed by the host environment.

ansimilent

C1

An adjective describing the capacity or tendency of a system, organism, or culture to absorb, integrate, and incorporate external elements into its own structure. It characterizes a process where new information or substances are transformed to become similar to the existing entity.

monofigist

C1

To portray or interpret a complex situation, narrative, or system by focusing exclusively on a single central figure or symbol. It involves the reduction of a multifaceted context into a singular figurative representation for the sake of simplified analysis or artistic emphasis.

obcapible

C1

Describing something that is easily perceived, understood, or grasped by the mind or senses. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote clarity and discernibility.

anprobery

C1

Relating to the act of probing or testing, typically used to describe an investigative or experimental approach to solving a problem. It characterizes a stage where evidence is sought or theories are tentatively explored before a final conclusion is reached.

semisanctship

C1

To accord a status of partial holiness or semi-sacred reverence to a person, object, or idea. It describes the act of treating something with significant respect and religious-like devotion without claiming it is fully divine.

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