downbeat

Etymology 1

down + beat

noun

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

Etymology 2

Earlier downbeaten, from the phrasal verb beat down

adj

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

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