Definition

1. Verb:
   • To direct and control (an aircraft) to a safe landing using radio instructions: This meaning is used in aviation, typically by air traffic control guiding a pilot.
   • To speak to someone in a condescending or patronizing manner, as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable: This implies a superior attitude from the speaker.
   • To minimize or belittle the importance or value of something through speech: This involves using words to make something seem less significant.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The experienced air traffic controller had to talk down the inexperienced pilot during the emergency.
  • He always talks down to his assistants, which makes them feel undervalued.
  • Politicians often try to talk down the achievements of their rivals.

Advanced Usage

• "to talk down to someone": This is the most common phrasal verb structure for the condescending speech meaning.
  • She hated how the consultant would talk down to the entire team.

Variants and Related Words

• Talked-down (adj): Often used to describe something whose perceived value has been verbally diminished.
  • The talked-down property eventually sold for a low price.

Synonyms

• Patronize: To treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority (for the condescending meaning).
• Belittle: To make someone or something seem less impressive or important.
• Guide in: To direct the movement of something, especially an aircraft (for the aviation meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Talk down from: To persuade someone not to do something drastic, often used in crisis situations.
  • The negotiator managed to talk the distressed man down from the ledge.

Related Idioms

• To talk something/someone down: This idiom can encompass both the belittling meaning and the specific aviation context.
  • Don't let him talk you down; your idea has great merit. (Belittling)
  • The tower will attempt to talk the plane down. (Aviation)

Verb

1. direct and control (the flight of an airplane during landing) via radio
   • the control tower talked down the plane whose pilot fell ill
2. speak in a condescending manner, as if to a child
   • He talks down to her
3. belittle through talk