dumb down

The phrase 'dumb down' refers to the act of simplifying content to make it more accessible, often at the expense of complexity and depth.

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Definition

B2General

(informal, negative)To simplify content in a way that reduces its intellectual or artistic value.

Example

  • The textbook was dumbed down to make it easier for younger students to understand.
  • Critics argue that the movie was dumbed down to attract a larger audience.

B2Education

(informal, negative)To make educational material less complex to ensure it is comprehensible to a broader audience.

Example

  • Teachers sometimes have to dumb down their lessons to meet the needs of all students.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dumb down":

water downplay dumbdumb outtone downtalk downmake downdress downdamp downtake down a notchboil downkeep downdampen downdummy upslim downturn downdumb showbring downslow down