Phrasal Verbs

quieten down

This page is about the phrasal verb quieten down

British and Australian English

Meaning

If someone quietens down, they become calmer and less excited.

Synonym

calm down, settle down

For example

  • quieten down The kids usually quieten down after lunch, and sometimes they even go to sleep.

  • quieten sth/sb down I wish my neighbour would quieten his dog down. It barks for hours.

Note:
"Quiet down" is preferred usage in American English.

Variety

This is typically used in British and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

After their teacher came and quietened them down, the kids

a. were really noisy

b. weren't so noisy

c. weren't so quiet
a) were really noisy b) weren't so noisy c) weren't so quiet

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey