to explain or divide something into simpler parts
to make something easier by showing the small parts
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to explain something in a simpler, clearer way by dividing it into parts
"Can you break it down for me in plain English?"
Break it down!
— popular recurring phrase in music and performance culture; exact single source not specified
to divide something into smaller parts for analysis or organization
"The report breaks it down by age group and region."
Very common in speech, teaching, business, and online communication. Also used in music and dance slang, but the explanatory sense is most frequent.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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