downsize etymology

Etymology:

  • Down: from the Old English word "dūn," meaning "hill" or "slope."
  • Size: from the Old French word "sise," meaning "assessment" or "tax."

Meaning:

Downsize means to reduce in size, scale, or scope. It can apply to businesses, organizations, products, or even personal belongings.

Origin:

The term "downsize" first appeared in the early 1980s, during a period of economic recession. Companies were forced to cut back on expenses, which often involved reducing their workforce. This practice became known as downsizing.

Over time, the meaning of downsize has expanded to include any type of reduction or minimization. For example, people may downsize their home or their lifestyle as they age or change their priorities. Businesses may downsize their operations or product lines to improve efficiency or focus on core competencies.

Usage:

  • "The company is planning to downsize its workforce by 10%."
  • "The couple decided to downsize to a smaller home after their children moved out."
  • "The smartphone has been downsized, making it easier to carry."
  • "The project's budget was downsized due to unexpected costs."

downsize relate terms

  • down

    Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

  • down

    Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

  • size

    Etymology Old English siȝe Middle English sise Late Latin sīsus meaning amoun

  • size

    Etymology Old English siȝe Middle English sise Late Latin sīsus meaning amoun

  • assize

    Etymology From Old French assise from Late Latin assīsa derived from Latin assidēre

  • size

    Etymology Old English siȝe Middle English sise Late Latin sīsus meaning amoun

  • trim

    Etymology Middle English from Old English trymian to make firm strengthen fortify

  • layoff

    Etymology and Meaning Layoff A temporary or permanent loss of employment due to a lack

  • furlough

    Etymology Old French furloug leave of absence Origin Ultimately from Low German vorlov

  • shrink

    Etymology Late Middle English from Middle Dutch schrinken variant of shrumpen from O

  • reduce

    Etymology Latin reducere from re back ducere to lead Middle French reduir

  • pretty

    Etymology Old English prættig Middle English prettie Meaning Physically attra

  • hypochondria

    Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

  • addict

    Etymology The word addict is derived from the Latin word addicere which means to a