downbeat

5 definitions • 9 examples

lacking in excitement or hope:

The actual signing of the treaty was a downbeat affair without any ceremony.

downbeat about Analysts were downbeat about the company's prospects.

I thought he'd be really excited, but he seemed kind of downbeat.

Downbeat music is slow and often sounds sad:

The music of political protest does not have to be downbeat.

I listen mostly to downbeat indie music.

a musical beat that is stressed (= played more strongly or loudly), usually the first in a bar:

In this version, the drummer plays on the downbeat.

In the chorus section, the downbeats on 1 and 3 in each bar are emphasized.

quiet and without much excitement:

The actual signing of the contract was a downbeat affair without any ceremony.

without much hope for the future:

Despite the surging share price, analysts were downbeat about the company's prospects.