bowed down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Heavily burdened or weighed down: Feeling or appearing oppressed by a heavy load, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, such as work, responsibilities, or worries.
Usage
The adjective "bowed down" describes a state of being overwhelmed by burdens. It is often used with the preposition "with" or "by" to specify the source of the burden. * It is typically used as a predicate adjective after a linking verb like "be," "feel," or "seem." * It conveys a sense of being physically or metaphorically bent under pressure.
Examples
- After the tragic news, she was visibly bowed down with grief. (Her posture and demeanor showed the heavy weight of sorrow.)
- The manager felt bowed down by the immense responsibility of the project. (The manager felt oppressed by the project's demands.)
- He walked slowly, bowed down under the weight of his heavy backpack. (He was physically bent over by the heavy load.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be bowed down": This is the most common construction, describing a continuous state of being burdened.
- For years, the community was bowed down by poverty and lack of opportunity.
- "to bow someone down": A less common verbal phrase meaning to cause someone to become burdened or submissive. (Note: This is a related but distinct phrasal verb form).
- The constant criticism began to bow him down.
Variants and Related Words
- Bow (verb): To bend the head or upper body forward, often as a sign of respect or submission. The adjective "bowed down" derives from this physical act of bending under a weight.
- Down (adverb/preposition): In this phrase, it intensifies the sense of being lowered or subdued.
Synonyms
- Burdened: Carrying a heavy load.
- Weighed down: Oppressed by a weight or worry.
- Overburdened: Having too much to bear.
- Oppressed: Subjected to harsh and unjust treatment or mental pressure.
- Laden: Heavily loaded (can be used literally or figuratively).
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Bowed but not broken: An idiom describing someone who is under great pressure or has suffered but has not been defeated.
- After the bankruptcy, he was bowed but not broken, and started a new business.
Adjective
- heavily burdened with work or cares
- bowed down with troubles
- found himself loaded down with responsibilities
- overburdened social workers
- weighed down with cares