cast down

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the sense of being humbled or feeling dejected. For example: "After being rejected from the job, I felt cast down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She kept her eyes cast down.

The New Yorker

Both were cast down and depressed.

The Guardian

Here... Amanda had her eyes cast down.

The Guardian

Voeckler took questions with arms folded, eyes cast down.

The New York Times - Sports

Her eyes were "cast down," in Judge Hughes's phrase.

The New Yorker

She wiped her eyes with her dupatta, head cast down.

The New Yorker

His eyes cast down, Farrell seems to get smaller and weaker — his body implodes.

The New Yorker

His parents sat huddled in the stern, their eyes cast down.

The New Yorker

Should the offenders be buried alive, or taken atop the old city wall and cast down?

The New York Times

A bronze nymph stands in a studio, head cast down, arm outstretched.

The Economist

Further back in the shadow, a boy, eyes cast down to read his score, is singing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast down" to describe a state of emotional dejection or a physical lowering of gaze. Ensure the context clearly indicates which meaning you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "cast down" solely for literal throwing actions. While it can refer to physically throwing something down, it's more commonly used to describe emotional states or lowered gazes. Ensure your usage aligns with the intended meaning to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It describes the action of making someone feel dejected or the act of lowering one's eyes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cast down" is a versatile expression primarily used to describe a state of dejection or the act of lowering one's gaze. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, with some presence in Encyclopedias and Scientific publications, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "dejected", "disheartened", and "with eyes lowered". While it’s essential to differentiate its figurative and literal senses to avoid misinterpretation, understanding the nuances of "cast down" can significantly enhance one's writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dejected

Single word adjective that describes a state of being "cast down".

depressed

Single word adjective that describes a state of being "cast down".

disheartened

Single word adjective that describes a state of being "cast down".

demoralized

Single word adjective that describes a state of being "cast down".

with eyes lowered

Focuses specifically on the physical action of lowering one's gaze, a common manifestation of being "cast down".

feeling low

An idiom that describes a state of being "cast down".

crestfallen

Single word adjective that describes a state of being "cast down".

brought low

Emphasizes the action of being reduced to a lower state, similar to "cast down".

humbled

Suggests a lowering of status or pride, which can be related to feeling "cast down".

in despair

Indicates a state of hopelessness and deep sadness, a more extreme version of feeling "cast down".

FAQs

How can I use "cast down" in a sentence?

You can use "cast down" to describe someone who is feeling dejected, as in "He was "cast down" after failing the exam". It can also describe a lowering of the eyes, as in "She kept her eyes "cast down" during the conversation".

What's the difference between "cast down" and "depressed"?

"Cast down" often describes a temporary state of sadness or dejection, while "depressed" typically refers to a more prolonged and serious mental health condition. "Cast down" can also refer to a physical lowering of the eyes, which "depressed" does not.

What can I say instead of "cast down" when referring to someone's emotional state?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dejected", "disheartened", or "demoralized".

Is it correct to say "I feel cast down"?

Yes, it is correct. "I feel "cast down"" is a perfectly acceptable way to express that you are feeling dejected or disheartened.