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quiet down

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To stop making so much noise, or to make someone else be quieter.

Literal meaning: To bring quiet down upon a situation — to lower the level of noise.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To become less noisy or to reduce one's own noise level.

"The audience quieted down as soon as the lights dimmed and the show began."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To cause someone or a group to stop making noise.

"The teacher clapped her hands three times to quiet down the excited students."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

For a situation or period to become calmer and less active or eventful.

"After the initial excitement of the launch, things quieted down and the team settled into a routine."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily American English. Can be used intransitively ('The crowd quieted down') or transitively ('Please quiet down the children'). Often used as a command. Refers to reduction in noise, activity, or commotion. The British equivalent is 'quieten down.'

Commonly used with

crowd children class audience noise room

Forms

Base
quiet down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
quiets down
he/she/it
Past simple
quieted down
yesterday
Past participle
quieted down
have + pp
-ing form
quieting down
continuous

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