Definition of downbeat
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
downbeat
adjectiveDefinition of downbeat (Entry 2 of 2)
: pessimistic, gloomy
a downbeat assessment
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for downbeat
The first known use of downbeat was in 1766
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