COUNT DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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Count down is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of tracking or indicating the passage of time in reverse order, typically in anticipation of a specific event or deadline. It involves the systematic lowering or decreasing of a number or quantity to signify the approach or conclusion of a certain period.
In a literal sense, count down can involve verbally or visually announcing or displaying decreasing numbers, such as from 10 to 1, to mark the approach of a significant moment, such as the launch of a rocket or the start of a race. This countdown often builds suspense and excitement as it nears its conclusion.
However, count down is also used metaphorically to describe the process of marking the approach or passing of time towards an event. It can involve tracking the remaining days, hours, minutes, or even seconds before a deadline or important occasion. This figurative sense can be observed in contexts like New Year's Eve countdowns, where people eagerly await the stroke of midnight to celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Count down can also refer to the act of mentally or physically preparing oneself for an imminent action or event. This could involve completing tasks or organizing resources within a specific time frame, ensuring that everything is in order before the designated moment arrives. Overall, count down encompasses various forms of time measurement and anticipation, both literal and metaphorical.
Common Misspellings for COUNT DOWN
- xount down
- vount down
- fount down
- dount down
- ciunt down
- ckunt down
- clunt down
- cpunt down
- c0unt down
- c9unt down
- coynt down
- cohnt down
- cojnt down
- coint down
- co8nt down
- co7nt down
- coubt down
- coumt down
- coujt down
Etymology of COUNT DOWN
The term "count down" is derived from two separate words: "count" and "down".
The word "count" comes from the Old French word "conter" meaning "to count or reckoned", which originated from the Latin word "computāre", meaning "to calculate or reckon". This Latin word is a combination of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and "putāre" meaning "to think or estimate".
The word "down" originated from the Old English word "dūne", which meant "hill" or "elevation". Over time, it came to be used to refer to the act of descent or going lower.
Therefore, combining the two words, "count down" refers to the action of counting backwards or reducing a numerical value to zero. It is often used to indicate the decreasing time remaining until a particular event or action occurs.
Idioms with the word COUNT DOWN
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count down (to sth)
The idiom "count down (to sth)" means to track or calculate the amount of time remaining until a particular event, occurrence, or deadline. It usually involves a reverse numerical sequence, where numbers are counted backwards, leading to the anticipated time.
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count down
A count down is a procedure in which a sequence of numbers is spoken or shown in reverse order, typically to mark the approach of an important event or the start of an action.
Similar spelling words for COUNT DOWN
- condone,
- condominium,
- comedown,
- conodont,
- condonation,
- conodonta,
- count on,
- counting,
- count noun,
- come down,
- countdown.
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