baisser

Senses

1. 1.

   to lower, to bring down

   to move something to a lower position or level

2. 2.

   to decrease, to drop

   to reduce in quantity, intensity, or value

3. 3.

   to bend down, to duck

   to move one's body or head downward

4. 4.

   to diminish, to wane

   to gradually become lower or weaker (of light, sound, strength)

Examples

• "Peux-tu baisser le volume de la musique?"

  Can you lower the volume of the music?

• "Les prix ont baissé cette année."

  Prices have dropped this year.

• "Il a dû baisser la tête en passant sous la porte."

  He had to duck his head while passing through the door.

Usage

Baisser is a common, everyday verb used in both literal and figurative contexts. It can be transitive (with a direct object: baisser qch) or intransitive (se baisser = to bend down). Common collocations include baisser la tête (to lower one's head/give up), baisser les yeux (to look down), baisser le ton (to speak more quietly or back down).