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break down

Q: How is the word 'break down' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and dissect are common synonyms of break down . While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions. // break down the budget

Q: When is it sensible to use 'analyze' instead of 'break down'?

Although the words analyze and break down have much in common, analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships. // analyzed the collected data

Q: When could 'dissect' be used to replace 'break down'?

While in some cases nearly identical to break down , dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny. // commentators dissected every word of the speech

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of break down

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to arrange or assign according to type

when presented with the pile of files, the first thing he did was to break them down by month, order within the month, and region

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

pigeonhole,
shelve

identify,
recognize

subcategorize

Near Antonyms for break down

2 to go through decomposition

the enamel of a human tooth will begin to break down when exposed to sugar for too long

Synonyms for break down

corrupt,
decay,
decompose,
disintegrate,
fester,
foul,
mold,
molder,
perish
[chiefly British],
putrefy,
rot,
spoil

Words Related to break down

sour,
turn,
turn off
[British]

mortify

rust

Phrases Synonymous with break down

Near Antonyms for break down

cleanse,
purify

3 to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships

if we break the problem down into what appear to be three aspects of it, we'll have a better chance of solving it

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

Near Antonyms for break down

4 to stop functioning

the computer finally broke down and had to be replaced

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

act up,
malfunction

Antonyms for break down

start (up)

5 to yield to mental or emotional stress

began to break down when he realized that he was on the verge of bankruptcy

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

choke

Phrases Synonymous with break down

6 to take apart

the crew was breaking down the party tent when we arrived

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

detach,
disengage

Near Antonyms for break down

combine,
unite

Antonyms for break down

assemble,
construct

7 to cause to break with violence and much noise

firefighters had to break down the wall to rescue the kitten

Synonyms for break down

Words Related to break down

breakdown

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of breakdown (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a mental or nervous collapse

if you don't ease your workload, you're going to have a breakdown

Synonyms for breakdown

Words Related to breakdown

disturbance

basket case

Near Antonyms for breakdown

2 the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances

the breakdown of the body was arrested by the embalming process

Synonyms for breakdown

Words Related to breakdown

Near Antonyms for breakdown

3 the separation and identification of the parts of a whole

the boss wanted a detailed breakdown of the sales figures

Synonyms for breakdown

Words Related to breakdown

Near Antonyms for breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions About break down

How is the word break down distinct from other similar verbs?

The words analyze and dissect are common synonyms of break down. While all three words mean "to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements," break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

When is it sensible to use analyze instead of break down?

Although the words analyze and break down have much in common, analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data