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put down — 3 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb3 meanings
put downsame phrase

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to place something on a surface

She put down her bag on the chair and sat next to me.

to criticize or insult someone

He always puts people down to make himself feel better.

euthanize an animal

After years of illness, they finally had to put their dog down.

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Meanings in detail

1. to place something on a surface

B1neutralspoken

To move something you are holding and place it onto a table, floor, or another surface.

She put down her bag on the chair and sat next to me.

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2. to criticize or insult someone

B2informalspoken

To say something that makes someone feel stupid or unimportant.

He always puts people down to make himself feel better.

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3. euthanize an animal

C1neutralboth

To kill an animal painlessly, usually because it is very ill or suffering, often as a humane decision.

After years of illness, they finally had to put their dog down.

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