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quieten down

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To stop making noise, or to help someone else be less noisy.

Literal meaning: To make quiet come down — to lower the noise level.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To become less noisy, especially after a period of high activity or sound.

"The children eventually quietened down after their bedtime story."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To cause someone or a group to stop making noise.

"The presenter raised her hand to quieten down the crowd before making her announcement."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

For a situation or period to become less busy, dramatic, or eventful.

"The political debate has quietened down since the election results were announced."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Standard British English. Functionally identical to 'quiet down' (American English). Used both intransitively ('The baby finally quietened down') and transitively ('She tried to quieten down the dog'). Very common in everyday British speech, including in schools, homes, and public settings.

Commonly used with

baby class crowd dog room noise

Forms

Base
quieten down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
quietens down
he/she/it
Past simple
quietened down
yesterday
Past participle
quietened down
have + pp
-ing form
quietening down
continuous

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