1. downstep - Noun
2. downstep - Verb
downstep (plural downsteps)
A downward shift of tone between the syllables or words of a tonal language.
downstep (third-person singular simple present downsteps, present participle downstepping, simple past and past participle downstepped)
To apply a downward shift of tone between the syllables or words of a tonal language.
Most Gur languages have been describe following the model of a two tone downstep system. Source: Internet
Most Gur languages to the north of Senufo have a two tone downstep system, but the tonal system of the Senufo languages is mostly analysed as a three level tone system (High, Mid, Low). Source: Internet
Tonal sandhi processes like tone spread, tone shift, and downstep and downdrift are common in African languages. Source: Internet
It may cause downstep, or it may combine with other tones to form contours. Source: Internet