To shift to a lower gear in a vehicle; or more broadly, to reduce speed, effort, or intensity; a deliberate reduction in pace or activity.
From 'down' plus 'shift' (from Old English 'sciftan', to divide or arrange). Automotive term that originated with cars, then became metaphorical for lifestyle or speed changes.
Starting in the 1990s, 'downshift' became a lifestyle term—people would 'downshift' to simpler living, less stressful jobs, or slower pace. The car metaphor spread to describe human choices!
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