expressing polite refusal or instructing to lower something (offer/request or device control)

to reject job offers, date invitations, loud music requests, or heating settings while sounding courteous

receiving a job interview invitation, being asked out on a date, hearing someone play loud music, needing a quieter or cooler environment

casual conversation, professional networking, everyday interactions where politeness is desired

turn down

turn down

a job offer; a date invitation; the TV volume; the heating setting

• politely
• regretfully
• could you

• refuse
• decline
• reject
• lower

using 'turn down' to mean dismissing someone from a position — use 'reject' or 'refuse' instead; confusing it with 'turn up', which means to increase

turn off (deactivate) vs. turn down (reduce); refuse vs. politely declining via this phrasal verb

in some languages, learners may directly translate 'turn down' as a physical action rather than a polite refusal; also confuse with 'turn up' as the opposite

• turn up
• turn off
• turn in
• turn out

'Turn down' conveys polite refusal or reduction in volume/temperature without sounding aggressive like simply saying 'no'

Creates a courteous impression while clearly communicating that the speaker does not wish to accept or keep the current setting at its present level

She turned down the job offer.

This phrasal verb is used to politely refuse an offer or request, or to lower the volume, temperature, or other setting.

Use more formal alternatives such as 'I regretfully decline' for offers, and 'please lower the volume' when instructing others.