1 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of information, effects, or resources: to gradually reach people at lower levels of a hierarchy or organisation.
"It took weeks for news of the policy change to filter down to the branch offices."
inseparable
filter down
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To gradually reach lower levels or people, said of information, resources, or effects spreading downward through a hierarchy or system.
In plain English
To slowly pass down to people lower in a group or system.
What does "filter down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of a liquid or light: to pass slowly downward through layers or a filtering medium.
"Rainwater filters down through the soil and eventually reaches the aquifer."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pass downward through a filter, as a liquid would.
Actually means
To slowly pass down to people lower in a group or system.
Usage tip
Primarily used figuratively in business, political, and social contexts. Conveys slowness and sometimes incompleteness — things that 'filter down' may not reach everyone or may arrive changed. Also used literally for liquids or light passing through layers.
Words that pair with "filter down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
information news money resources changes benefits
How to conjugate "filter down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
filter down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
filters down
he/she/it
Past simple
filtered down
yesterday
Past participle
filtered down
have + pp
-ing form
filtering down
continuous
Hear "filter down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "filter down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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