downbeat
Translation
downbeat, pessimistic, gloomy
Examples
He gave a downbeat assessment of the economy.
He gave a downbeat assessment of the economy.
The mood of the meeting was very downbeat.
The mood of the meeting was very downbeat.
Grammar Patterns
((a/an)) downbeat ((noun)) a downbeat statement/assessment He gave a downbeat assessment.
((to be)) downbeat to be pessimistic The mood was downbeat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: pessimistic, gloomy, negative; Antonyms: upbeat, optimistic, positive
Etymology
From the musical term 'downbeat', the downward stroke of a conductor's baton, indicating the first or principal beat of a measure. The figurative sense of 'pessimistic' emerged later.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'down' mood and a slow, heavy 'beat'. The opposite is 'upbeat'.