B2 verb Neutro

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.

Exemplos

3 de 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?

Família de palavras

Substantivo
breakdown
Verb
break down
Adjetivo
broken-down
Relacionado
breakage
💡

Dica de memorização

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

Quiz rápido

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

Correto!

A resposta correta é: break down

Exemplos

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.

Família de palavras

Substantivo
breakdown
Verb
break down
Adjetivo
broken-down
Relacionado
breakage

Colocações comuns

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

Frases Comuns

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

Frequentemente confundido com

breakdown vs breakthrough

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

📝

Notas de uso

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.

⚠️

Erros comuns

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).'

💡

Dica de memorização

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

📖

Origem da palavra

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

Padrões gramaticais

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.
🌍

Contexto cultural

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

Quiz rápido

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

Correto!

A resposta correta é: break down

Palavras relacionadas

overall

B2

Describing the total or general nature of something when all parts or factors are considered together. It refers to the whole of a situation rather than specific details or individual components.

overlap

B2

To cover part of the same area of space or time as something else, or to have some common qualities or features. It describes situations where two things occupy the same physical space partially or where two events happen simultaneously for a period.

overseas

B2

Relating to, coming from, or situated in a country across the sea or ocean. It is used to describe international contexts, particularly travel, trade, or living arrangements in a foreign land.

panel

B2

A panel is a small group of people brought together to discuss a specific topic, provide expert advice, or make decisions. It can also refer to a distinct, flat, and often rectangular section of a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or control board.

parameter

B2

A parameter is a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process, system, or activity. In technical or mathematical contexts, it refers to a measurable factor that sets the conditions of an operation.

passive

B2

Describing someone who allows things to happen or accepts what others do without resistance or participation. It is also used in grammar to describe a sentence structure where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer.

persist

B2

To continue firmly in an opinion or a course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or failure. It also refers to a state or condition that continues to exist or endure over a prolonged period.

philosophy

B2

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. It also refers to a specific set of beliefs, values, or principles that guide the behavior and outlook of an individual or an organization.

portion

B2

A portion is a part of a whole that has been divided or allocated to a specific person or purpose. It is most commonly used to describe a serving of food or a specific share of a larger amount, such as money or time.

pose

B2

To present or constitute a problem, danger, or challenge that needs to be addressed. It also refers to the physical act of assuming a specific position for a photograph, painting, or artistic work.

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