Meaning of dumb down | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
   idiomatic, transitive
2. To become simpler in expression or content; to become unacceptably simplistic.
   idiomatic, intransitive

Equivalents

Examples

“The public won't understand this concept. We need to dumb down our explanation of it.”

“Television has really dumbed down over the past ten years.”

“The dumbing down of America is most evident in the slow decay of substantive content in the enormously influential media, the 30-second sound bites (now down to 10 seconds or less), lowest common denominator programming, credulous presentations on pseudo-science and superstition, but especially a kind of celebration of ignorance.”

“As the reports are written for both the industry and general public, inspectors are required to use accessible language that is free from jargon but without 'dumbing down'.”

CEFR level