I sat by a stream VS I sat down by a stream

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

It was very warm, so I walked under the trees and sat by a stream. If I said “… so I walked under the trees and sat down by a stream” what would be the difference in meaning? (If there would be some difference, of course.)

Thanks in advance.

2

“sat down by a stream” places more emphasis on the action of changing from a standing position to a sitting position. “sat by a stream” places more emphasis on the state of being in a seated position.

3

Thank you, Dozy.