Word info Synonyms

dumb down

Verb

Meaning

(idiomatic, transitive) To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
The public won't understand this concept. We need to dumb down our explanation of it.

(idiomatic, intransitive) To become simpler in expression or content; to become unacceptably simplistic.
Television has really dumbed down over the past ten years.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

Examples

I don't think you need to dumb down to a child, you merely have to be clear, you know? Mary Chapin Carpenter

We don't need to dumb down our stuff. And it's important to know how far we can push readers. Ashwin Sanghi

You don't have to dumb down - you just have to find a clever, good, secure man. I've found a couple - I've been lucky - but it's probably hard for everybody to find that true love of a good man. Kimora Lee Simmons

It's well known that many girls have a tendency to dumb down when they're in middle school. Sally Ride

Close letter words and terms