- To refuse or reject an offer, request, or proposal.
- To decrease the volume or intensity (e.g., of sound, heat).
Explanation
Origin
- Refuse sense: Possibly from the 19th century. Turn implies a change of direction or state. Down suggests negation or reduction. It might relate to turning something face down to signify rejection, or simply 'turning away' from an offer.
- Decrease volume/intensity sense: Likely relates to the physical action of turning a knob or dial downwards on older radios, stoves, etc., to reduce output.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- (Refuse): Give it a miss (UK/Aus slang: decide not to do/accept something)
- (Decrease volume): Knock it down (Lower the volume/intensity)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Refuse): Tell them to shove it. (Extremely vulgar way to express refusal of an offer)
- (Decrease volume): Turn that shit down! (Aggressive demand)
Milder/Standard:
- (Refuse): Politely decline
- (Decrease volume): Adjust the volume/temperature downwards
Situational Appropriateness
- Both meanings ('refuse', 'decrease volume') are common in informal and semi-formal contexts.
- Decline is often preferred for refusing formal invitations or offers in writing.
- Reduce or lower are neutral alternatives for volume/intensity.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The primary confusion is between the two meanings. Context (offer, invitation vs. music, heat, TV) is the key differentiator.
Examples
- (Refuse): He turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
- (Refuse): She had to turn down the invitation to the party.
- (Decrease volume): Could you please turn down the music? It's too loud.
- (Decrease intensity): Turn down the heat, it's getting hot in here.
Dialogue
Dialogue 1 (Refuse):
Friend 1: Did you accept the promotion?
Friend 2: No, I actually turned it down.
Friend 1: Really? Why?
Friend 2: It involved relocating, and I didn't want to move right now.
Dialogue 2 (Volume):
Dad: Can someone turn down the TV? I'm trying to read.
Kid: Okay, Dad. (Adjusts volume) Is this low enough?
Dad: Yeah, that's much better. Thanks.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Just had to turn down my dream job offer because of the commute. Absolutely gutted. 😞 #career #toughdecisions
- Facebook Post: PSA to my neighbors: Please turn down your music after 11 PM! Some of us are trying to sleep. #neighborlylove #noise
- Reddit Comment: Why would anyone turn down free pizza? Makes no sense.
Response Patterns
- (To refusal): Oh, that's too bad., Why did you turn it down?, I understand., Maybe next time.
- (To request to decrease volume/intensity): Okay, sorry., Sure, no problem., Is this better?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone turns down an offer/invitation:
- Ask for the reason (Why aren't you taking the job?, Why can't you come?).
- Express understanding or disappointment.
After being asked to turn down volume/heat:
- Comply with the request.
- Ask if the new level is acceptable (How's that?).
Conversation Starter
- Not usually a starter, but discussing offers, invitations, or noise levels naturally leads to using this phrasal verb.
Intonation
- Stress falls on turn, down, and the object being refused or adjusted.
- (Refuse): She TURNED DOWN the JOB. (Often sounds decisive or regrettable)
- (Decrease volume): TURN DOWN the MUSIC! (Can sound like a polite request or an impatient command)
Generation Differences
- Universally used and understood.
Regional Variations
- Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.