Downstroke
/ˈdaʊnstroʊk/
nounB2
Definition
A downstroke is the action of moving a pen, brush, or a musical tool (like a guitar pick or drumstick) downwards in one smooth motion. It is important in writing to form certain letters and in music to create specific sounds or rhythms.
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⚡ See It in Action
In writing or calligraphy, a stroke moving downward to form parts of letters
- •The letter "k" has a clear downstroke on its left side.
- •Beginners practice downstrokes to improve their handwriting.
- •Calligraphers use thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes for style.
In music, especially guitar or drums, a movement downward to strike a string or drum
- •He played a strong downstroke on the guitar to start the song.
- •Drummers use downstrokes to keep the rhythm steady.
- •The song's rhythm depends on fast downstrokes on the strings.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "downstroke" like "stroke" (a simple movement), but this one always goes down, like drawing a line from top to bottom
- ✓Picture writing the letter "l" or "t" where your pen moves straight down on the paper
- ✓It's the feeling when you press your guitar string with a pick moving down to make a strong sound
- ✓Sounds like "down" + "stroke" → imagine a brush making one long stroke going down the page
- ✓Think of painting a wall by pulling the brush down in a straight line
- ✓NOT like "upstroke" which moves the pen or pick upward; downstroke moves downward
- ✓NOT like "side stroke" or "horizontal stroke" which moves sideways, downstroke is vertical down
- ✓NOT like "tap" which is a quick, light touch; downstroke is usually longer and smoother
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Downward stroke: a stroke moving down (Use when you want a clearer phrase but less common)
- •Downward movement: general movement down (Use in broader contexts beyond writing or music)
- •Down hit: in music, a quick downward strike (Use when the action is fast and forceful, especially in drumming)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "down" (direction) + "stroke" (a single movement or mark)
- •Etymology: English origin, combining two simple words to describe a movement going downward
- •Historical development: Used in handwriting and music to describe specific movements; the term became common as music and calligraphy developed
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in music lessons and handwriting teaching to explain how to move tools or instruments
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does mastering the downstroke help improve your handwriting or musical skills?
•Can you think of other activities where a downstroke movement is important?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.When writing letters like "l" or "k," the downstroke is the part where the pen ___ straight ___ the paper.
2.In guitar playing, a downstroke usually creates a ___ and ___ sound compared to an upstroke.
3.Calligraphers make downstrokes ___ to give letters a thick and strong look.
4.Unlike an upstroke, a downstroke always moves ___, never ___.
5.Drummers use downstrokes to keep a steady ___ during fast songs.
6.If a player only uses upstrokes and no downstrokes, the rhythm might feel ___ or ___.
7.The teacher asked the student to practice smooth downstrokes to improve their ___ and ___ control.