break down
brayk DOWN
/breɪk daʊn/
To explain something by separating it into smaller, simpler parts.
Focuses on making a complex system or idea understandable.
The story behind the word. The image is of taking a large, intimidating machine and taking it apart piece by piece so you can see how each small part functions.
Word relationships
- analyze: 'Analyze' is more formal and implies a deeper study.
- synthesize: To combine separate parts into a single whole.
Commonly confused with
- simplify: 'Simplify' means to make easier; 'break down' means to show the component parts.
Word family
- breakdown (noun): A detailed analysis or list of items.
Collocations
- break down the costs
- break down the process
- break it down for me
Example sentences
- "Can you break down the formula so I can understand how it works?" A complex math problem.
- "The analyst will break down the quarterly earnings for the investors." A financial report.
Memory hook
Imagine a LEGO castle; to understand how it's built, you have to 'break it down' into individual bricks. Complex to simple, piece by piece.
When not to use
Don't confuse with the mechanical 'break down' (a car stopping) or emotional 'break down' (crying).
Fun facts
- In dance, a 'breakdown' is a section where the music is stripped back to just the rhythm.
Related words
Explore more words
analyze, analytical, breakdown, Analysis, deconstruct, crumble
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.