downbeat
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1down·beat

noun \ˈdan-ˌbēt\

Definition of DOWNBEAT

1
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music; also : the first beat of a measure
2
: a decline in activity or prosperity

First Known Use of DOWNBEAT

1869

2downbeat

adjective

Definition of DOWNBEAT

: pessimistic, gloomy <a downbeat assessment>

Examples of DOWNBEAT

  1. <a downbeat prediction for the company's sales performance in the upcoming year>

First Known Use of DOWNBEAT

1950

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