downbeat

/ˈdaʊnbiːt/

Etymology

From down + beat.

downbeat means the accented beat at the beginning of a bar (indicated by a conductor with a downward stroke). Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 86 out of 100.

downbeat is pronounced /ˈdaʊnbiːt/.

noun

The accented beat at the beginning of a bar (indicated by a conductor with a downward stroke).

adj

Sad or pessimistic.“He sounded downbeat when asked about his future plans.”
Cautiously optimistic.“She carried herself with a quiet downbeat grace.”