Knock Down vs. Knock Over — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Published on August 20, 2024
Knock down involves reducing something in position, price, or level, while knock over implies causing something to fall by physical impact.
Difference Between Knock Down and Knock Over
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Knock down often refers to the action of causing a structure or object to fall or be dismantled, either partially or completely. For example, demolishing a building would be considered knocking it down. On the other hand, knock over is more about tipping or causing something to topple from an upright position, such as accidentally hitting a vase and causing it to fall.
When discussing prices or figures, to knock down means to reduce or lower them. Auctioneers might use the term when a final bid is accepted, symbolizing the item's sale at a reduced price. Whereas, knock over does not typically apply to non-physical concepts like prices or figures; it remains within the realm of physical actions.
In the context of combat or physical confrontations, knocking someone down implies causing them to fall to the ground, potentially indicating a temporary or partial defeat. Whereas knocking someone over might suggest a less forceful action, possibly causing them to stumble or momentarily lose balance rather than fully collapsing.
In sports or games, to knock down can mean to score by getting an object past an opponent or obstacle, such as knocking down pins in bowling. In contrast, knocking over is not commonly used in sports terminology in a way that significantly differs from its general meaning of causing to topple.
The phrase "knock down" can also metaphorically imply reducing someone's confidence or status, as in criticism or argument. Conversely, "knock over" does not commonly carry a metaphorical use and is typically used in a literal sense.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To dismantle or reduce
To cause to fall by hitting or colliding
Contexts
Construction, prices, arguments
Physical accidents, toppling objects
Physical Impact
Can be partial or complete
Usually involves toppling from an upright position
Non-Physical Use
Yes (e.g., prices, status)
Rarely, if ever
Metaphorical Use
Can denote reducing status or confidence
Primarily used in literal sense
Compare with Definitions
Knock Down
In combat, to make someone fall.
The boxer knocked down his opponent in the third round.
Knock Over
In a figurative sense, to overwhelmingly impress.
Her performance knocked over the audience.
Knock Down
In sports, to score by overcoming an obstacle.
She knocked down all ten pins with her final bowling ball.
Knock Over
To tip something from its standing position.
The strong wind knocked over the garden chairs.
Knock Down
To reduce a price.
The store knocked down the prices during the clearance sale.
Knock Over
In a minor collision, to cause a brief stumble.
They accidentally knocked over a pedestrian while cycling.
Knock Down
To metaphorically diminish someone's confidence.
His harsh critique knocked down her self-esteem.
Knock Over
To cause something to fall by hitting.
The child ran into the table and knocked over the vase.
Knock Down
To dismantle a structure.
The old warehouse was knocked down to make way for new apartments.
Knock Over
To cause an object to topple by applying force.
The cat knocked over the water glass while playing.
Knock Down
Strong enough to knock down or overwhelm;
A knock-down blow
Common Curiosities
Can "knock over" refer to non-physical actions?
"Knock over" is primarily used in the context of physical actions and rarely applies to non-physical concepts.
Can "knock down" be used in relation to prices?
Yes, "knock down" can mean to reduce or lower prices.
What does it mean to "knock someone down" in a fight?
It means to cause them to fall to the ground, often indicating a level of defeat.
How do "knock down" and "knock over" differ in physical impact?
"Knock down" can imply a more significant or complete impact, while "knock over" typically involves toppling from an upright position.
What does "knock down" mean in construction?
In construction, "knock down" refers to the dismantling or demolishing of a structure.
Can "knock down" apply to arguments or debates?
Yes, in debates, "knock down" can imply countering or reducing the strength of an argument.
How does "knock down" relate to sports scoring?
It can mean to score by getting an object past an opponent or obstacle, such as in bowling.
Is "knock over" used in sports?
"Knock over" is not commonly used in sports terminology in a specific way; it generally means causing something to topple.
Is "knock over" related to clumsiness?
Yes, "knock over" often implies an accidental or clumsy action causing something to fall.
Are there metaphorical uses for "knock down"?
Yes, "knock down" can metaphorically imply reducing someone's status or confidence.
Is "knock over" used metaphorically?
"Knock over" is primarily used literally and rarely carries metaphorical meanings.
What's the common context for "knock over"?
It's commonly used to describe accidents where objects are tipped or toppled.
What's a key difference between "knock down" and "knock over"?
"Knock down" often has broader applications, including metaphorical uses, while "knock over" is generally more literal and specific to physical actions.
What does it mean when an auctioneer says "knocked down"?
It means an item has been sold, typically at a reduced price.
Can "knock down" refer to emotional impacts?
Yes, it can refer to diminishing someone's emotional state or confidence.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
HD Ready vs. Full HD
Next Comparison
Norco vs. VicodinAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
