Spell Bee Word: downsize

Basic Details

Word: Downsize

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To make something smaller in size or number, often in a business or personal context.

Synonyms: Reduce, shrink, cut back

Antonyms: Expand, increase, grow

Idioms and Phrases

1. Downsize the competition: To reduce one's competition in business or other areas. Example: "Innovative strategies can help us downsize the competition in the market."
2. Downsize your expectations: To lower what you expect to achieve or receive. Example: "After the last few projects didn’t go as planned, I decided to downsize my expectations for this new venture."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The company decided to downsize its workforce to cut costs during the financial crisis.

Example 2: After the big move, they had to downsize their furniture to fit into the smaller flat.

Example 3: It's important to downsize unnecessary expenses if you want to save money.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the term "downsize" became popular during the 1980s when many companies faced economic challenges and had to reduce their workforce?

Famous Quote

"Sometimes, it is required of us to put our resources in order, which may mean downsizing some of our expectations." Ralph Marston

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "downsize" mean?

a) To increase in size
b) To make smaller in size or number
c) To paint a picture
d) To travel to a new place

Answer: b) To make smaller in size or number

2. Which of these is a synonym of "downsize"?

a) Increase
b) Expand
c) Reduce
d) Grow

Answer: c) Reduce

3. What is the antonym of "downsize"?

a) Cut back
b) Shrink
c) Grow
d) Minimise

Answer: c) Grow

4. Which sentence uses "downsize" correctly?

a) They decided to downsize their collection of toys to make more space.
b) They downsize a cake for the party.
c) She downsize the song she wrote.
d) I downsize my bicycle on the way to school.

Answer: a) They decided to downsize their collection of toys to make more space.

5. Which idiom suggests reducing one's expectations?

a) Downsize your expectations
b) Rise to the occasion
c) Expect the unexpected
d) Look before you leap

Answer: a) Downsize your expectations